THE University of Strathclyde has unveiled proposals to develop a “world-class leadership centre” on the shores of Loch Lomond.

The university plans to create the facility in conjunction with the Hunter Foundation in the grounds of Ross Priory, the academic institution’s recreation and conference centre west of Gartocharn.

The proposal is currently the subject of a four-week consultation period with the area’s community council, after which it is expected that a planning application will be lodged with the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority.

The university says the proposed centre would be located to the east of Lochside Cottage, in the Ross Priory grounds, and would, if planning permission is granted, be aimed at small groups of up to 25 people, but with capacity for occasional events of up to 100 people at a time.

It is proposed that the centre would be built and operated by the Hunter Foundation, but that the building itself would be gifted to the university.

It also says the design of the proposed centre “will fit with the University’s wider sustainability plans for Ross Priory, which includes a solar array”.

Built in 1695 and significantly redesigned in the early 19th century, the early 19th-century, the A-listed Ross Priory was later owned by the Leith-Buchanan family, and was sold to the university in 1973.

Today the house, which is regularly used for meetings, conferences and entertainment by the university’s staff and graduates, as well as a has 10 en-suite bedrooms, a dining room and a conference and functions room, the Carnegie Room.

The building stands in 173 acres of grounds with sporting facilities for members, including a nine-hole golf course.

Its surrounding gardens, woodlands and parkland are open as part of the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.