Picture: Lyn MacDonald. Image No. 036727
PLANS to transform the disused ice house at Gollachy, near Portgordon into a café and community facility have moved another step forward. The 200-year-old structure, which is now owned by Brigid Aitken, won planning permission following an appeal to permit the creation of a coffee shop, wellbeing centre and manager’s flat. It is hoped that once up and running the facility would attract a range of activities under its roof, including yoga and pilates classes, while also providing a space for exhibitions and similar events. A car park would also be created as part of the scheme. Ms Aitken’s agent and architect, Dr Nick Brown of Lintmill-based MB Planning, said: “It’s very exciting that the client for the proposed new Gollachy ice house at Portgordon (with flat above) has now decided to take the development of the project to the building warrant stage. “The council has now filed their technical building warrant queries and these are being systematically worked through. “This is great progress.” A building warrant is the legal permission to start building work, or to convert or demolish a building. It is hoped the project will also bring with it jobs for the local community. Initial outline planning consent was granted to the coffee shop section of the scheme in 2014 as part of a project, later abandoned, by the property’s previous owner. The ice house has lain closed to the public for many years and is in an overgrown state. The spot where the building sits is already popular with the many people who come to watch the seals who live just off the coast and also lies on the path of the Speyside Way.