Rural Design | Kiltaraglen masterplan, Portree

We are thrilled that our masterplan for 250 new homes in Portree, Skye has received Planning in Principle.

The masterplan prepared on behalf of Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association will deliver 250 new homes over a 15-20 year period and will help address the chronic shortage of affordable housing in the area.

Working with Landscape Architects Raeburn Farquhar Bowen, great care has been taken to integrate the layout with the existing landscape. The large areas of deep peat on the site will remain undisturbed and incorporated as a wild landscape within and around the new settlement. Existing stone dykes and water courses will also be retained. The resulting masterplan is a series of linked neighbourhoods carefully placed on this special landscape arranged around walkable routes set within a rich variety of green spaces and play areas.

The topography and natural habitat has suggested two different placemaking approaches. The more elevated or ‘rural’ areas allow the open wild landscape to sit between the dispersed clusters of new homes. The homes in the lower or ‘suburban’ area will be more densely arranged and gathered around a series of small green spaces.

Small commercial units, a community shop, garden and extensive park/outdoor play areas are also proposed. These will be located to serve both the new housing and the existing neighbourhoods to the south - so binding the new development to the north edge of Portree.