A BUDDHIST meditation centre in the Highlands is being recommended for approval by planners.
The proposed retreat by The Gomde Trust Scotland is earmarked for woodland at Hardmuir of Boath, Nairn.
The scheme involves the erection of 17 timber buildings on two parcels of woodland which have been bought by the trust with access rights to the track connecting to the A96.
A report to next Tuesday’s Highland council’s South Planning Applications Committee says the trust wants to create “small, secluded meditation huts within the existing woodland for use by people wishing to spend time on solitary retreat.
Whilst its origins lie in Buddhism, the centre would be open to people of all faiths,” says the planning officer’s report.
“The applicant’s intention is to provide a holistic approach to the implementation of the development over a phased time period spanning the next 10 years or so. A masterplan has been submitted by the applicant that shows an indicative total of 26 buildings on the site.”
The trust’s website adds: “The Gomde Hermitage is set in 21 acres of beautiful, secluded broadleaf woodland near Inverness and Findhorn, planted 10 years ago with over 25,000 native trees including oak, aspen, chestnut, beech, juniper, cherry and other fruit trees. It was offered to Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Trust for people to practice meditation.
“Close by are rugged hills, moors, wild river ravines, white sandy beaches and a beautiful coastline. There are many castles and historical monuments in the area and it is (of course) guarded by the Loch Ness Monster.”
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