The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Child in balcony collapse scare at holiday resort
Bosses launch inspections after incident at award-winning site
A young tourist had a lucky escape after a first floor balcony at his Perthshire holiday home collapsed under his feet.
The child was shaken but unhurt after the accident at the Duchally Country Estate, near Auchterarder.
Bosses have now launched a safety probe to fully assess the condition of its other lodges.
Similar raised balconies at the estate have been sealed off while inquiries are carried out.
The estate, close to Gleneagles, has 55 holiday homes across nearly 30 acres of land.
The site, which has won several industry awards, is particularly popular with golfers.
The accident happened on Saturday afternoon. The family involved left the site the following day.
Graham Wilding, director of site operators Duchally House Leisure, said: “Over the weekend one of the selfcatering properties at the Duchally Resort had a structural failure which caused an outdoor balcony terrace to part-collapse, although thankfully nobody was injured.
“Because of this incident we have taken the precaution of sealing off any other similar balconies on the resort whilst an independent structural engineer certifies they are safe. “Guest safety is an absolute priority.” He disputed claims the child was left “dangling from the first floor” and said he was walked back into the holiday home by his family.
No one at the estate was willing to discuss the incident yesterday.
A source close to the company said: “It would have been a terrifying experience for the family and everyone is relieved that no one was hurt. It could have been much worse.”
The Health and Safety Executive does not investigate incidents at holiday resorts, which are instead covered by local authorities.
Perth and Kinross Council confirmed it had not been notified about the incident.
The estate is known locally for its fundraising and environmental work.
In 2016, bosses donated £5,000 towards medical care for the granddaughter of a long-serving staff member.
The resort, which is run by tourism giant CLC World, has also hosted projects and events for Zero Waste Scotland.