Urban design consultancy Tomatin Scottish Highland page

Project Title for Tomatin

Tomatin, Highland

The village of Tomatin is located approximately 15 miles south of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. It is an unusually elongated and fragmented settlement without a traditional village centre. This is probably a result of the different forces which have shaped Tomatin over the years, including the establishment of Tomatin distillery - one of Scotland’s largest - the arrival of the railway and subsequent closure of the station, the A9 by-pass and the local topography. The village appears unplanned, with no clear focus and poor footpath connections.

Urban Animation is working with Tomatin Estate and CKD Galbraith on a number of development initiatives which will begin to integrate and define different areas of the village. Sites for housing and commercial use have been allocated in the Inverness Area Local Plan. A master plan is being prepared for a housing site towards the north of the village, providing approximately 25 dwellings. A detailed planning application is planned for a first phase of 6-8 houses in 2011. Site survey and ground investigation works are currently proceeding.

Towards the central part of the village, potential for an affordable housing development is being investigated. An outline planning application is likely later this year. Finally, an outline planning application for a village shop is also planned, to provide an opportunity for a purpose built local retail unit. The village shop closed recently and a temporary shop service has been provided by the Tomatin Inn.

Tomatin Estate owns the majority of land in and around the village and recognises that a long term approach to land management is essential. Growth at Tomatin needs to be delivered organically and over a number of years in order to maintain the attractive character of the village and its setting.

The local community has an important role to play and consultation with the Community Council is ongoing. An open invitation has been issued for Community Council members and local residents to view this Project Page, request updated information on proposed developments and comment on the initiatives outlined above. Draft proposals for the developments mentioned above will be posted on this page when available.