Demolition of former hotel is welcome news
Locals have welcomed the news that 57 King Street is set to be razed to the ground.
An application to demolish the derelict Strathearn Hotel, latterly known as the Kilt and Kelt and formerly the George Hotel, has been lodged with Perth and Kinross Council.
Residents and councillors have fought for years to have something done about the deteriorating eyesore, and last year PKC’s strategic policy and resources committee voted to reallocate £265,000 from the region’s portion of the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund towards its demolition.
Many locals have fond memories of the hotel in its hey day as the George but agree demolition is now the only option.
Strathearn’s three ward councillors – Rhona Brock, Roz McCall and Stewart Donaldson – have been working together to have something done about the neglected building.
Independent elected member Cllr Brock told the Herald: “It’s good news and something that we have all been campaigning for for so long now.
“We received the petition from the community in 2019, and we have all worked hard to get a result.
“The building is going to come down which will make it safer and take that eyesore away.
“It’s taken a long time and I am delighted we have got to this stage. I am sure the shops and neighbours round about it will see a big difference.”
SNP ward member Cllr Donaldson said: “I welcome the fact that progress is being made with the Strathearn Hotel. Not only is the old George Hotel a blot on the landscape, it has been a clear fire and safety risk for many years.
“Normally, I would prefer to see a building such as this restored, but we are long past that point. Demolition is the only option.
“Funding from the Scottish Town Centre Fund is all about regeneration, and it is important that we adhere to the requirements of that funding. I hope going forward that a suitable use can be found for the site.”
Ailsa Campbell, of neighbouring Campbell’s Bakery, has been flaggingup the former hostelry’s crumbling condition for years as it has negatively impacted on adjacent structures in the street.
She commented: “We are all really thrilled. I hope that the council makes sure that all the planning applications go through.
“It’s beyond saving. It has to come down.
“I was in the building a few years ago and there were bigger plants growing on the inside than the outside.
“I hope that the only plants we see now are part of the planned landscaping.”
In 2019, Harry Thomason, chair of Crieff Community Council, backed a petition by Gaynor Reid of neighbouring business Mojo Hair and Beauty calling on the council to take action on the beleaguered building.
On hearing of the plans, Mr Thomason said: “It’s not before time, I would say. The sooner it comes down the better – before someone gets hurt.”