Green light for £10m hotel and retail village at Tomatin junction

A £10 million-pound hotel and retail/food village at the Tomatin junction on the A9 has been approved by Highland Council.Over 100 new jobs will be created in the area as a result of the project which will include a 99-bedroom hotel, farm shop and 200-seater restaurant, drive-through bakery and food outlet, as well as four retail units and a fuel filling station.Designed by NORR, the long-delayed plans will also provide a much-needed economic boost for the area and support the region’s growing reputation as a burgeoning tourist destination.The site was historically occupied by the Freeburn Hotel, which was built in 1895 and was reportedly a stopping off point for Bonnie Prince Charlie. The hotel ceased trading in the 1960s, later became a Little Chef and was eventually demolished in 2008.The new plans will see the creation of a new retail and food destination on Scotland’s longest road and Tomatin Trading Company will aim to bring high quality Scottish retailers and world-renowned whisky brands to the area.