STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Next stage for Drummond Arms revamp project
Work is due to start next week that will see one of the Strath’s most iconic buildings take another step in the right direction in terms of its regeneration.
Two years on from the community purchase of the former Drummond Arms Hotel by Crieff Community Trust, work is about to finally begin on the Category B-listed building with a view to making it safe internally and in a condition ready for development.
The Covid pandemic led to delays for this next phase of the project but, from Monday, workmen will begin the arduous task of stripping out the inside of the Victorian structure of all hazardous materials.
In addition, collapsed floors will be repaired and temporary propping installed.
The outbuildings at the rear of the property will also eventually be demolished, and repairs to boundary walls and other areas to improve the overall appearance of the Strath capital landmark will be undertaken.
Drummond Arms Regeneration Limited (DARL) was set up in 2019 by Crieff Community Trust to facilitate the transfiguration of the former James Square hotel, which had languished in a dangerous state for years.
DARL has been working alongside Perth and Kinross Council and other stakeholders to ensure a future use for the site.
And the group is optimistic about that future.
Chair David McCann told the Herald:“We have always said that the worst thing we could do is to do nothing.
“The green light for the start of this initial work is great news and is another step on the road to ensuring that the site will have a future purpose and function within Crieff.
“There are a number of exciting options we are looking at for the future of the old DA, all of which we are giving careful consideration to.
“The most important thing is that the site has a future which is positive for Crieff and the community, both in terms of the local economy and as an attractive integrated part of the town.”
The first objective of DARL, which has been carried out, was to make the building safe, secure and give it a more presentable facade.
Once the schedule for the interior gets back on track, it is expected that the initial works will last for around four months.
• For more information on DARL, including how to get involved, see www.drummondarms regenerationlimited.com.