Kirkcudbrightshire's 'Coo Palace' conversion approval advised

The landmark building was constructed in rural Dumfries and Galloway in the early 1900s

Plans to convert a "Coo Palace", built by a wealthy landowner to house his cattle, look set to be approved.

The landmark building - designed to look like a castle - was constructed in rural Kirkcudbrightshire in the early 1900s to house a herd of 12 cows.

It fell into a state of serious disrepair and in 1991 it was placed on the Buildings at Risk register.

Now councillors are being advised to approve plans to convert the former dairy into luxury holiday apartments.

Part of Corseyard Farm, near Borgue, the Coo Palace has been unused for several decades and is almost derelict.

Architects have drawn up plans to convert the Coo Palace into holiday cottages

The proposals would see 24 holiday units created, involving the conversion of the current building and construction of new properties.

The man who built the Coo Palace

James Brown retired to Knockbrex House and carried out an extensive building programme on the estate

James Brown was a wealthy Manchester merchant, chairman of the retail and wholesale drapery firm of Affleck and Brown.

He retired to Knockbrex in south west Scotland and began an extensive building programme on the house and estate from 1895 until his death in 1920.

Apart from Knockbrex House itself which is comparatively sober in design, the other estate buildings are characterised by a stylistic individuality bordering on the idiosyncratic, and always a careful attention to detail using the highest quality materials.

Source: Buildings at Risk Register

Historic Environment Scotland has welcomed the move to bring an "unusual and distinctive" site back into use but with a number of suggestions to amend the design.

Dumfries and Galloway Council is being advised to approve the project but with a string of conditions attached.

The design of the building has been described as "bordering on the idiosyncratic"