Dores is a small village on the shores of the iconic Loch Ness. Renowned for fantasy and fable, this otherworldly location is frequented by hikers, nature swimmers, and monster hunters.

We have been commissioned by WildLand to create a series of public spaces by Dores Beach, involving a new-build bakery, public sauna and restoration of a local pub.

The new-build ‘L’ shaped bakery pavilion will embrace the loch-side, clad in blackened timber to obscure it amidst the woodland.

Down the shore will be a new restaurant and pub within the restored Dores Inn; the heartbeat of the village. The building is in need of an overhaul to restore its place as a cornerstone in the local community. The traditional white rendered inn with its chimneys will be extended, in keeping with local vernacular, with low slung roofs propped up by south-facing glazing, articulating a greater visual connection to the loch.

The scheme will be inexorably linked though a sensitively restored landscape, in collaboration with Tom Stuart-Smith, in addition to new public footpaths and parking spaces.

Project designers Fraser Biggins and Annas Mojaddidi presented the scheme to the public earlier this summer, talking local residents through the design intentions and concept for a rejuvenated local landmark. Thank you to everyone who attended and offered their feedback!