Scottish Island’s Watersports Facility to Become Glamping and Caravan Site

Plans to transform a former watersports center on Great Cumbrae Island into a glamping and caravan site have received approval from the North Ayrshire Council Planning Committee. 

The project, led by applicants Alan Howat and Michael O’Connor, aims to repurpose the existing facility into a mixed-use outdoor accommodation site catering to both glamping and traditional caravan stays.

The redevelopment will include 34 glamping pods in four different styles, offering options ranging from one-bed single-story units to larger three-bed, one-and-a-half-story pods. 

Additionally, 22 spaces for caravans and campervans will be designated near the main building, according to a report by Insider. 

The plan retains the existing dormitory lodges while introducing infrastructure improvements, including a secondary track road to provide access to the pods and a dedicated parking space for each unit.

The site, situated less than two miles from Millport and accessible via the island’s ring road, will also feature a play area and open space. 

The development represents a shift in the use of the property, which previously served as a national watersports training facility under sportscotland until it was sold in 2022. 

The main building includes a reception area, offices, a commercial kitchen, a dining hall, classrooms, a lounge, a gym, and changing rooms.

The project received unanimous approval from the planning committee. Planning chair Robert Foster supported the proposal, stating, “This looks like a really positive application for the area.” His motion was seconded by Councillor Ronnie Stalker.

For outdoor hospitality operators, the redevelopment highlights a growing trend in repurposing former recreational and institutional properties into glamping and mixed-use accommodation sites. 

The introduction of a diverse range of glamping pod sizes and caravan spaces suggests an effort to attract a broad spectrum of guests, from solo travelers to families. 

As interest in unique stays and hybrid accommodations continues to rise, business owners may find similar opportunities to revitalize underutilized properties in their own regions.