‘Ainsley Harriot house’ in Keith granted change of use permission
Plans to use a vacant shop, well-known for having a lifesize cutout of Ainsley Harriot in its upstairs window, as a home have been approved.
Moray Council planners have approved an application to use the property, previously a retail unit, as a secondary part of the home it is attached to.
The building, at 60 Union Street, was previously the home of Speyside Stoves but then lay empty for a number of years.
The cutout of affable TV chef Ainsley Harriot in its top window provided amusement to countless passing motorists as they drove on the A96 towards Elgin, just before the Union Bridge.
Images of the property taken in August 2025 show the tribute to Mr Harriot still in place.
Planning documents confirmed that the application would see the former shop become an additional part of the neighbouring home.
They also said that no changes inside the property would be required and no new utility connections added.
A statement from planners said the plans were being approved because they would have no visual impact and, since the property was outside the town centre, Keith’s retail offering would be unaffected.
“Reuse of existing vacant buildings is strongly encouraged as the most sustainable form of development,” it added.
“Overall the proposal will not have any adverse impacts and will result in the reuse of an existing vacant building, all of which is considered to be acceptable.”