Business group makes town hall its new home

A Crieff business group has taken up residence in the town hall and says it hopes to safeguard the landmark’s future.

The building’s interior has been refurbished by Perth and Kinross Council and will act as the new home for the Crieff Succeeds BID (Business Improvement District) team.

The group is also keen to work with volunteers to open up the venue to visitors who want to view the monuments that are housed there.

It follows recent claims that the Mercat cross, the town’s punishment stocks and the Pictish burgh cross have been left “sulking in a basement” when more suitable locations exist.

Neil Combe, manager of Crieff Succeeds BID, said the organisation was “extremely pleased” to have played a major role in securing the long-term future of the town hall.

“We know the building is of particular significance to the people of Crieff, sitting at the heart of the Strathearn capital, and we have helped to save a valuable community asset,” he said. “It’s fair to say, that if we hadn’t made the move, the building would have remained closed.

“Going forward, Crieff BID knows there is great interest in the Crieff Monuments which are housed in the town hall.

“We are very keen that these artefacts should be accessible to visitors and are happy to work with any willing volunteers to staff the town hall so that we can extend the opening hours accordingly.”

Crieff BID is currently masterminding a £44,000 digital drive to promote the town to the short-stay tourism market.