Tomintoul and Glenlivet Regeneration Strategy and Master Plan aim to promote Tomintoul and Glenlivet as a vibrant and distinctive place within the Cairngorms National Park.
The project was commissioned by the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the Crown Estate, working with Moray Council, HIE and the local community associations. Urban Animation led the project with sister consultancy Dhu Rural. The physical master planning proposals focus on Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands.
Tomintoul is a distinctive example of over 200 planned villages constructed in Scotland over the late 18th and 19th Centuries. The original planned village is constructed on a grid pattern, with a single street running down a north-south ridge and a central square built on a level area. Its unique layout may owe as much to the mediaeval Scottish Burgh form as the more fashionable grid style which was prevalent in that era.
Over recent decades, unsympathetic extensions and infill development have threatened to dilute the distinctive character of the place. To counteract this, the master plan proposes a Conservation Area, design guidance and a framework for planned expansion of the village.
Formation of a community development trust is proposed as a key step in enabling local people to regenerate business, facilities, housing and services in the village. Community engagement confirmed local interest in playing a role and the trust has since been established, with over 200 members signed up.
A ‘Transform Tomintoul’ team was also proposed, featuring the project partners and other parties. This is now meeting regularly. The Crown Estate is about to begin construction of a mountain biking centre and is planning caravan and camping developments to provide much needed visitor accommodation. Efforts are also being made to reopen the two main hotels in the village.
The Tomintoul and Glenlivet master plan highlights numerous opportunities for the village and surrounding area. Whilst it recommends delivery of key actions, it also leaves space for the community to set its own priorities and lead the regeneration process, through the Tomintoul & Glenlivet Development Trust.
Project Team:
– Urban Animation
– Dhu Rural
– Fiona Chalmers Associates
– Peter Graham & Associates
– Bob Stubbs Consulting
Village Square from Tomintoul – Glenlivet project
Photograph from Tomintoul – Glenlivet project
View Master Plan