THE Unionists of Scotland had better beware, because one of the Yes movement’s most prominent activists in the Highlands has just announced his retirement “so I can spend more time campaigning for independence”.

Ian Forrester, 69, has sold his well-known Aviemore-based holiday cottages business, Great North Lodges, for an undisclosed sum to local businessmen and chartered surveyors Ken Pritchard and Andrew Saunders.

The company currently markets more than 31 log cabins and lodges mostly based within the Cairngorms National Park. They have a loyal customer base, with many customers staying in their lodges annually.

A kenspeckle figure in the SNP and the Yes movement generally, Forrester is an ambassador for Business for Scotland.

He told The National: “I am retiring from commerce but I am definitely not retiring from the campaign for independence.

“In fact, while I will retain some financial interest, I am delighted to be stepping aside from the business so I can spend more time campaigning for independence.”

Forrester set up the company in 1983 with his first chalet, Wolf Lodge in Carrbridge: “I was a very keen skier and I just wanted my own wee ski house, but I was having to rent it out to afford it.

“My wife Myra and I then imported Beaver Creek lodge from Finland in 1989-90.

“The outbreak of the Gulf War saw us fully booked by people who wouldn’t travel abroad and we just built up the business from there.”

Pritchard said: “It may seem a strange time to invest in a hospitality business when so much of our sector is necessarily closed due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

“However, Andrew and myself are not only excited by this opportunity but are confident there is a long term and sustainable future for Great North Lodges.

“We have ambitious plans to expand the portfolio not only in our heartland within the

Cairngorms National Park but throughout Scotland.

“We have already put a package of assistance in place to help all our existing property owners through this difficult period and to build upon the successful partnerships that has been developed over the years.

“Once restrictions are eased we anticipate a surge in demand for our lodges. All our customer offers are being reviewed to ensure we enhance the Great North Lodges’ experience to be best placed to attract families and friends to visit and enjoy our spectacular properties, locations and the areas’ outstanding natural beauty.”

There are also plans in place for a new website and several new property launches, which makes Great North Lodges one to watch for the future while Ian Forrester gets on with campaigning for independence, telling us “watch this space”.