Copyright scotsman
An Indian businessman with a string of hotels in the Highlands has lodged plans for a new visitor centre with a cafe, shop and parking facilities for Scotland’s Great Glen. Applicant Black Sheep Management Services, a hospitality firm owned by businessman Sanjay Narang, has proposed the new site for the banks at the Glengarry viewpoint - a lay-by on the A87 road to Skye. The lookout offers a view of Loch Garry from an angle that makes the body of freshwater resemble the shape of Scotland - making it popular with locals and visitors. Residents in the surrounding area said they were concerned about the visual and environmental impact the development could have on the glen. The proposed site would add to Mr Narang’s portfolio of luxury hotels and self-catering accommodation in the glen and on the Isle of Skye. In 2019, the businessman pledged to develop an 18th-century style Highland village at Glengarry with 100 cottages for sale or long lease, plus a five-star hotel, four-star guest house, a B&B and a number of log cabins. The “vision” is still listed on the Mars Hospitality Group website, a company based in Mumbai, and which Mr Narang promotes. Join Katharine Hay’s walk around Scotland with her Hay’s Way newsletter It includes promise of “a street reminiscent of an era where time was marked by the turning of seasons” plus “artisan stores located on cobblestone lanes”. Since then, Mr Narang has refurbished hotels, developed holiday accommodation and built an enormous manor house with a swimming pool on the edge of Loch Garry with more staff accommodation. Some locals have accused Mr Narang of building and developing properties in the area that fail to be in keeping with the surrounding environment. Jane Sutherland, who lives next door to one of Mr Narang’s properties, said one of his properties on Loch Garry “can be seen glowing for miles” due to external lighting on all night. She said: “Any development at the Glengarry viewpoint will have a huge impact on the area and the lives of glen residents with light pollution both from the commercial buildings and possibly external lighting for parking, increased traffic noise and pollution, destruction of existing woodland, and the creation of a scar on the side of a glen that is widely regarded as one of the beautiful areas for walking and a haven for wildlife.” Residents have also claimed Mr Narang’s developments do not boost local employment. The Scotsman made several attempts to contact Black Sheep Management Services and Mars Hospitality Group, but received no response. Similar lighting comments have been made about The Whispering Pine Lodge on Loch Lochy, which Mr Narang refurbished and reopened in 2019. Mr Narang bought the property in after a trip to the Highlands in 2018. He also bought The Cluanie Inn at Glenmoriston and Rokeby Manor, formerly the Craigard Guest House, at Invergarry. Along with his sister Rachna, the businessman invested £3 million in buying the three Highland properties and a further £9m in refurbishing the sites.
