Solar Panels Installed at Sheikh’s Scottish Estate Without Prior Approval
A billionaire ruler of Dubai has installed solar panels on a property within his extensive Highland estate without securing the necessary planning permission beforehand. The installation took place at Lochview house, located to the west of the main estate house on the 63,000-acre Inverinate estate in Wester Ross. Representatives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals with an estimated £11 billion fortune, have now submitted paperwork to Highland Council seeking approval for the solar panel installation.
The move is intended to enhance the building’s sustainability performance while maintaining a minimal visual impact. Additionally, retrospective planning permission is being sought for other installations at Lochview, including a new staff room and a ring road connection to improve site circulation and access for service vehicles.
A design statement submitted to Highland Council highlights that the solar photovoltaic (PV) panels were installed on the roof to align with national and local renewable energy goals. It states that their placement ensures minimal visual impact and demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility. The document also notes that the PV panels support Highland Council’s carbon reduction targets.
This initiative reflects the Sheikh’s ongoing support for renewable energy, as he is behind the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. This facility is recognized as the largest single-site solar park in the world and supports the city’s goal of producing all its energy from clean sources by 2050.
However, the development at Inverinate has raised concerns among locals who have long questioned the ongoing construction works at the site. Located on the banks of Loch Duich, the area is home to various wildlife species such as red deer, Eurasian otters, pipistrelles, west European hedgehogs, and harbour seals. Some residents have accused the Sheikh of attempting to build a “mini Dubai” at the estate, which he visits only once or twice a year.
The 74-year-old Sheikh acquired the property over two decades ago, and his representatives claim that recent expansions are aimed at accommodating more guests and staff. As one of the UK’s largest landowners, his portfolio spans over 100,000 acres. He developed a friendship with the late Queen through their shared passion for horses, often appearing as her guest at Ascot.
Inverinate features several helipads, a hunting lodge, and a pool. Recently, the Sheikh was granted approval to build a tenth on-site property, which includes 15 bedrooms, a large living room, and a conservatory. This followed a successful battle in 2020 to construct the six-bedroom Ptarmigan Lodge on the estate, despite over 30 local objections. The application was approved with a condition requiring a £30,000 payment towards local affordable housing.
A statement from the Sheikh’s representatives regarding the latest plans said: “This retrospective application reflects necessary and beneficial modifications made during the construction and operational planning phases. The proposed changes are minor in scale relative to the approved development and are fully justified in terms of functional necessity, sustainability, and design integrity. We respectfully request that The Highland Council support this application.”
The office of the Sheikh did not respond to a request for comment.
