Gillespies starts next phase of 600-home Dunbeg development in the Scottish Highlands

We are delighted to announce the completion of the third phase of Dunbeg, an extraordinary new residential development situated just north of Oban, on Scotland's breathtaking west coast. Undoubtedly one of the most stunning projects we have had the privilege to work on, this area captivates visitors with its dramatic rolling hills and rugged coastlines.

Phase 3 saw the successful delivery of 300 new homes for client Link Group. The development site, with its undulating terrain, streams, protected species, and ancient woodlands, presented a unique challenge that required a sensitive, landscape-led response. Our design integrates these natural elements while introducing a series of shared-surface streets and open spaces, including play areas that will supporting a growing community.

Gillespies is now leading the landscape design for Phase 4, which will include around 300 new homes, student accommodation, later living facilities, and a commercial area. This phase is developed for the social housing provider C-urb and involves a collaborative team including architects Hypostyle, engineers G3, Houghton planning consultants, ecologists EnviroCentre, construction consultants Armour, and project managers Macdonald & Cameron.

The realisation of this project for Link Group began in 2015 when Gillespies, in partnership with Elder + Cannon, was invited to create a landscape-led masterplan for the “Dunbeg Corridor,” working closely with Argyll and Bute Council, Architecture and Design Scotland, and Scottish Natural Heritage.