No objection as Brough Lodge restoration welcomed by HES
CARRYING out repairs and creating a sustainable new use for Brough Lodge in Fetlar would be a “highly positive outcome”, according to Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
HES also said it was “pleased to see positive proposals come forward that seek to sensitively restore” the main lodge building as a small guest house.
Plans were recently submitted to turn the deteriorating A-listed Brough Lodge into a four-bedroom boutique hotel.
The planning application relates to the first phase of restoration of the building, which was built in 1825 and is now owned by the European Heritage Project.
HES, which oversees the listing of buildings in Scotland, has now responded to a listed building consent planning application for the work.
It said the main building, its ancillary structures and walled gardens are an “outstanding example of picturesque landscape composition”.
“The distinctive gothic detailing to the buildings, and their setting incorporating an Iron Age broch and folly as a focal feature within the Inventory garden and designed landscape, contributes to the exceptional historic and architectural interest of this site,” the response continued.
Representatives of HES and Shetland Islands Council visited the site with the applicant’s agents last year, the response added.
HES said it was content with the programme of works planned in the first phase of restoration.
“We recognise that a considerable amount of investment and new fabric will be required to return the buildings at Brough Lodge to a new use,” it said.
“We support this phased approach that will establish a viable long-term use for the property and enable its ongoing care and maintenance.”
HES described Brough Lodge as “ruinous and vacant for decades”, pointing to essential repairs carried out in 2010.
Water ingress and a lack of maintenance is affecting the property, however, and HES welcomed the move to carry out repairs.
HES also said that on balance interventions such as installation of lead flashings to the parapet and a passenger lift within the building would be considered acceptable.
This is because of the condition of the buildings, their exposed location and the wider conservation benefits of the project.
“We particularly welcome the reinstatement of a render finish to the external elevations, which will both reinforce the building’s historic character and provide weathering protection to the underlying historic masonry,” HES’ response added.
European Heritage Project, an organisation which specialises in preserving historic buildings, bought the property in 2023.
Unoccupied since the 1980s, the estate was previously owned by the Brough Lodge Trust which put it up for sale for offers over £30,000.
Also in the European Heritage Project’s portfolio are a number of grand properties in central Europe, including castles, palaces, churches and city residences.
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