Luxury Tourist Accommodation At Latheronwheel
21st July 2003
Brand new luxury self-catering apartments with indoor leisure facilities are to be built at Latheronwheel, Caithness.
Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) has awarded City Centre Estates (Leisure) Ltd a funding package to turn a group of derelict buildings in the village into three, four-star standard holiday homes with swimming pool.
CASE has pledged financial support totalling £115,900, which includes £51,000 from the European-funded HIE Standards programme. HIE Standards is a Network-wide initiative designed to help accommodation providers invest in the upgrade of their premises in a bid to attract and meet the needs of today's discerning travellers.
City Centre Estates (Leisure) Ltd has ambitious plans for the properties. Managing director, Avi Wejurka explained: "As a frequent visitor to the far north I had noticed these lovely B and C Listed buildings at Craiglea and thought it was a terrible shame that they were falling into a state of disrepair.
"Our business specialises in the conversion and upgrade of old buildings and I have employed local architect Neil McDonald to help me convert the properties into luxury self-catering accommodation.
"Each property will feature two or three bedrooms - with one of the bedrooms being en-suite - fully fitted kitchens with all modern conveniences and living rooms with beautiful views over the village and the Caithness countryside. Of course, the best feature is the indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi and sauna."
Mr Werjuka added: "I am very grateful to Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise for their support and to Alan MacLeod of the AmcL Group for his assistance in raising the finance."
The project, which is costing over £460,000, is set to create at least four full-time equivalent jobs in Latheronwheel - a rural village with limited employment opportunities.
A full-time facilities manager will be the first appointment made and part of their job will be to organise a package of activities for visitors such as sea angling, loch and river fishing and golf.
These special interest packages are set to be the highlight for guests visiting the new development. Guests will be treated to a celebrity chef if they choose to take part in culinary courses or if fishing is their preferred activity, they will benefit from expert tuition from a top angler.
Chief executive of CASE, Carroll Buxton said: "The creation of tourist accommodation or the extension of existing visitor accommodation is not something CASE normally supports. However, this project is providing a unique form of accommodation which is not widely available within the Highlands."
"We also think this is a very worthwhile project because it will bring these old buildings back into economic use, and improve the general environment of Latheronwheel."
Related Businesses
Related Articles
Public investment is planned for a major redevelopment project at Port of Nigg in the Highlands. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved up to £10 million to support development of the port's Inner East Quay, which will result in the creation of a new heavy-duty quayside and the introduction of roll-on roll-off capability.
A further phase of development is getting under way at Wick Business Park in a move that will support economic growth and strengthen population retention in Caithness. Park owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has awarded a £1.8m contract to Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd to build a further four new business units.
The chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has announced plans to retire from the role in July. Alistair Dodds CBE has served on the HIE board for 11 years.
The funicular railway at Cairngorm Mountain resort returned to service on Thursday 27 February 2025. Scotland's only funicular railway has been out of action since August 2023, while an extensive programme of remediation works has been carried out, led by contractor Balfour Beatty on behalf of estate owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a further £863,000 contribution to the Inverness Castle Experience project. Led by The Highland Council, the Inverness Castle Experience is a key project within the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
Highland based food and drink producers have until 28 March to enquire about a new support programme aimed at helping businesses in the sector to cut carbon emissions. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is looking for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to take part in the food and drink TechHUB Net Zero Mobilisation programme.
Ambitious plans to create a major new renewables hub in Orkney have been accelerated with a £5m grant to help take the project to the next stage. The funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will further the development of a new harbour facility for the assembly of offshore wind turbines at Scapa Flow - the largest natural harbour in the northern hemisphere.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has welcomed a new report into the economic potential of wave and tidal energy for Scotland. The study was carried out by the Policy and Innovation Group, part of the Institute for Energy Systems at the University of Edinburgh (UoE).
Companies operating in Scotland's aquaculture supply chain industries are being encouraged to get involved in a major global networking opportunity. Aqua Nor is the world's premier event for the sector and a focal point for new customers and investors who are interested in Scotland.
The much-anticipated return of the funicular railway at Cairngorm Mountain will not take place in December, as had been hoped. Contractor Balfour Beatty has substantially completed an extensive remediation programme to strengthen the 1.8km viaduct, however detailed inspections have shown that further work is required in some areas.
