Building could house heritage centre
The former Drummond Arms in Crieff could be transformed into a heritage centre.
The Drummond Arms Regeneration Company (DARL), set up by Crieff Community Trust (CCT), took ownership of the iconic former hotel in James Square last year and is spearheading its development.
And DARL representatives will be meeting with members of local heritage groups next week to discuss whether some form of museum and information centre could be sustainable as part of the redevelopment.
Appraisal work is currently being carried out to determine the future potential of the town centre eyesore, which is currently shrouded in scaffolding while it is being made safe thanks to a £600,000 grant allocated by Perth and Kinross Council through the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund.
One other option being discussed is the development of private flats for part of the building.
David McCann, chairman of DARL, said:“One of the options, and it is just an option at the moment as we are still carrying out the appraisal regarding the facade and fabric of the building, is that the ground floor of the building could be used as a heritage and tourist centre with a museum.
“There is no museum in Crieff but there is a group interested in setting one up.
“We have spoken to them and other heritage groups in town, such as the Drovers’Tryst and Friends of St Michael’s, and we know that there is a desire for a museum.
“But we would need help to take this forward.”
A meeting will be held this week with interested parties to discuss the viability of the plan.