The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
People’s verdict on future of historic hotel
crieff: Townsfolk want to see the Drummond Arms used as affordable housing or as a tourist office
Residents in Crieff would like to see a derelict hotel that was once used by Bonnie Prince Charlie turned into affordable housing or a tourist office.
The options for the Drummond Arms have been revealed following a feasibility study.
Crieff Community Trust (CCT) was last year awarded £10,000 from Perth and Kinross Council and £7,000 from the Scottish Land Fund to conduct the study into the redevelopment of unused buildings in the Strathearn town.
The trust appointed Community Enterprise to carry out the project, with the main aim being to make a clear difference in Crieff and its surrounding area.
Douglas Westwater, executive director of Community Enterprise, said Crieff residents focused on the Drummond Arms as being the main derelict building they wished to see developed.
“From December last year to February this year, a detailed options appraisal has taken place in Crieff considering the potential to develop one or more assets within the town,” he said.
“This research has ranged from speaking to local people at events to undertaking focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders.
“As well as looking at buildings that can be developed, we also need to consider facilities that would be impacted by new developments.”
And Mr Westwater outlined the most favoured choices following the survey of Crieff residents.
“Firstly, there appears to be a demand for enterprise space for co-working,” he added.
“Secondly, there seems to be a need for affordable housing, and early discussions are taking place with interested parties. Finally, there may be the opportunity of developing an affordable hotel or bunkhouse.
“This might be a positive use of the Drummond Arms but detailed technical work will be required to scope out the viability of these ideas.”
Ailsa Campbell, chairwoman of CCT, emphasised that the results of the survey have confirmed what many locals knew – that the Drummond Arms is the priority for the community.
“This proof was necessary and will support our work as we continue to find a solution to the building, looking at affordable housing and low-cost accommodation,” she said.
The Drummond Arms Hotel has great historical significance, playing host to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s last war council on February 6 1746.
Known at that time as the Drummond Arms Inn, the site was used by the Young Pretender to plan his next move prior to marching north to the infamous defeat at Culloden on April 16 1746.
This proof was necessary and will support our work as we continue tofinda solution to the building. AILSA CAMPBELL CHAIRWOMAN CRIEFF COMMUNITY TRUST