The project

One of the many beacons of innovation in the Highlands and Islands, the Flows Lookout Tower, part of Forsinard nature reserve in Sutherland, is an observatory platform that sits within one of its bog pool systems.

Beginning as part of the Peatlands Partnership initiative – a consortium of Scottish, Highlands and Islands organisations RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage, The Forestry Commission (Scotland) and Highland Council – the group commissioned the tower to give visitors a unique view of a pool system right from its heart.

Built in 2015, the project commissioned Icosis architects of Edinburgh and locally based contractor O’Brien Construction of Thurso to deliver the viewing tower. After having closed in 2020 during the Pandemic, the Flows Lookout Tower has now reopened, allowing its presence and view to be enjoyed by the public. It is an example of designing and constructing on top of peatland in the Highlands in a way that minimized impact on the peat bog itself, which is an important part of Scotland’s natural carbon store and the Highlands and Islands’ natural landscape.  

The innovation

Its unusual cylindric design stands out on top of the bogs. Few developments are done on peaty soil due to structural and logistical issues, but it was designed with minimising disturbance to this habitat in mind, a significant part of the structure being elevated above the peat.

The tower has also been timber cladded with Scottish home-grown larch. Beginning in a woodlands near Ullapool, the timber was sourced and processed by The Forestry Commisison to be delivered and built on site by O’Brien Construction of Thurso, who are responsible for many other major projects in the Highlands region.

The outcomes

• A new innovative landmark for the Highlands and Islands
• Received the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Award in 2016
• Saved carbon emissions by utilising Scottish homegrown timber, a local contractor and minimizing peat impact