Historic harbour where Outlander was filmed set for major renovation

Historic Dunure harbour is set for major renovation work after improvements to the quay were approved.

The Ayrshire harbour has previously been used as a film set for American TV series Outlander, and has attracted fans from all over the globe.

Two existing brick boat stores that have fallen into a state of disrepair are to be demolished, after South Ayrshire Council planners approved the proposal under delegated powers late last month.

In their place a new single-storey boat store would be built, including a harbour masters store and accessible toilet and shower facilities set further back from the harbour.

The report said: “The existing storage buildings do not make a positive contribution to the harbour area or the wider conservation area, in part due to external finishes (in particular the corrugated asbestos roof), and in part due to lack of maintenance.

“Indeed, the existing boat stores are boarded up and do not appear to be in use, and there is significant structural damage to the rear of one boat store so as to render it unusable.

“Additionally, the area to the rear of the existing boat stores has become a dumping ground for old boats and other associated boating equipment, again to the significant detriment of the harbour area and the wider conservation area.

“The proposed new boat store is to be sited towards the eastern edge of the harbour, thereby presenting an opportunity to improve the character, appearance and setting of the locale through the removal of old boats and associated equipment and ensure that the harbour area is more welcoming and fit for purpose.

“With regard to the design, massing, scale, proportions and finishes of the new building, it is considered that the new building, by reason of replacing two of the existing dilapidated boat stores, will make a positive contribution to the character, appearance and setting of the locale.

“The scale of the new building is appropriate to the locale, as are the proportions of window and door openings and the proposed external finishes.

“On this basis, there are no objections to the demolition of the existing boat stores.

“The proposals for the demolition the existing buildings and erection of a new boat store will not have a detrimental impact on the setting of the Category B listed Dunure Harbour, and shall enhance the character and appearance of the Dunure Conservation Area.”

Work is due to begin by the start of 2025.

Written by Kevin Dyson, Local Democracy Reporter