Cultybraggan developers say café is integral to plans

Developers are aiming to establish a café at a former prisoner of war (POW) camp in Strathearn in an effort to attract visitors and tourists.

Members of Comrie Development Trust have asked those interested in the business proposition to apply by September 22, describing the move as a “priority” to promote the site, which is located near Comrie.

Phil Mestecky, heritage activities and events manager with Comrie Development Trust, said the organisation was keen to “crack on” with its plans and viewed the development of a café at Cultybraggan as integral to the success of the overall scheme.

“If you want tourist buses to come here and spend some time at Cultybraggan you have to provide a café and toilets,” he said.

“We have toilets here but they are not in abundance and not the standard you want to promote.”

He continued: “We want to build a heritage visitor experience at Cultybraggan where we can attract tens of thousands of tourists and then charge them for entering the former POW camp.

“However, we don’t want to boil the ocean. We won’t be like Disney, but it would be good for visitors to come here for a cup of tea and a scone and spend a couple of hours before leaving.”

Mr Mestecky said a successful outcome for the café partnership plan would allow the Comrie Development Trust to move on to the next stage of its vision, which is opening the site to campers, including those seeking a modernday “glamping” experience.

“There is a great opportunity for camping here and we’d like to have military style tents that could be rented by people,” he added.

“These would obviously be made as comfortable as possible.

“The main aim is to establish a heritage visitor experience that can justify an entrance fee. The café proposal would be a partnership business and we’ll speak to applicants on a one-to-one basis.”

Anyone interested in providing a café should phone 01764 670769 or 07703 766465, alternatively, email phil.mestecky@comriedevtrust.org.uk.