Planning Application for Dailly Holiday Lodge Development

The Cairnhill Group Submits Planning Application for Dailly Holiday Lodge Development

South Ayrshire, 2nd September 2025 – The Cairnhill Group has submitted a major planning application to South Ayrshire Council for the development of a sustainable holiday lodge destination at Dalquharran Estate, near Dailly.

The proposal seeks permission for the change of use land to a holiday accommodation site, incorporating:

• Up to 95 single-story energy efficient holiday lodges, built in phases over five years

• Upgraded vehicle access and improved site entrance

• Extended and new pedestrian routes, linked to Dailly village and wider walking/cycle networks

• Significant landscaping and biodiversity enhancements, including the planting of over 585 new trees on-site and 2,400 more across the Estate

• Parking and EV charging facilities designed to support sustainable travel

  
  

The proposed holiday lodge development will be located well away from the historic castles within the Estate. There are no plans for any development on or around the castle sites, ensuring that these important heritage features remain completely unaffected. Lodge visitors, however, will be able to enjoy the extensive path network already created by The Cairnhill Group, which links the Estate to the local village of Dailly. Lodge visitors will be able to enjoy the extensive path network already created by The Cairnhill Group, which links the Estate to the local village of Dailly and beyond.

This initiative reflects The Cairnhill Group’s long-standing commitment to sustainable rural development, community benefit, and diversification. The application is a result of an extensive period of engagement and consultation with the community and governing bodies.

About The Cairnhill Group

The Cairnhill Group is a fourth-generation family business based in South Ayrshire. Evolving from traditional farming, it now spans food manufacturing, renewable energy, land management and community development projects, with sustainability and local economic growth at its core.

A Sustainable Tourism Proposal

The Dalquharran holiday lodges will be constructed using low-impact, modular methods. The development deliberately avoids on-site shops or cafés, encouraging visitors to spend in the local area and support local businesses in line with South Ayrshire’s Local Development Plan.

"Our family has deep roots in South Ayrshire, and we feel fortunate to enjoy the scenery that this often-forgotten part of Scotland has to offer. This development will breathe new life into the estate and the wider community, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and welcoming visitors to a beautiful location less than five miles from the coast," said Alex Paton, [Director] at The Cairnhill Group.

An early 2026 approval will allow development to begin late 2026/27.