Alan Carr's castle cafe plan delayed by bat concerns

Alan Carr's £3.25 million Ayton Castle development plans have been put on hold after Scottish Borders Council requested a full ecological assessment. The council warned that the potting shed on the historic estate could provide roosting sites for bats, triggering the need for environmental review. The delay affects plans to convert historic buildings into a community café and estate shop. The ecological assessment must be completed before the planning application can proceed.