Premier Inn planning new hotel in Pitlochry

Around 35 jobs promised from 105-bedroom development

Hotel chain Premier Inn has revealed plans for a 105-bedroom hotel in Pitlochry, bringing dozens of jobs to the town.

Company bosses are preparing for two public consultations next month, when residents and business owners in the Highland Perthshire town will have the chance to query developers about the project.

The proposals are for a 105-bedroom hotel on land west of the town’s Bridge Road, across from the recycling centre.

West Midlands-based property developers Riverstone Developments are proposing a multi-million-pound investment to create a “bespoke hotel” with on-site restaurant and parking facilities, which they believe will “provide a different style of guest accommodation to what is currently available within the town.”

Premier Inn say the development on the banks of the River Tummel will bring around 35 new jobs to the area.

Riverstone bosses say they have been discussing the developments with officers at Perth and Kinross Council for a number of months, focusing on the premises’ materials, style, setting and constraints.

Premier Inn has more than 800 sites across the UK, Europe and Asia.

If the development is given the green light, Pitlochry would become the 10th

Premier Inn across Tayside and Fife and the second in Perthshire, following the launch of the company’s Fair City hotel in August 2015.

Before formal application is made to the council, the developers must present their plans to local residents, which they have arranged to do next month.

Drop-in information sessions will be held on November 8 from 2.30– 6.30pm and the following day from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Both events will take place at Pitlochry Town Hall.

Nick Johnston, acquisition manager for Scotland at Premier Inn, said: “If approved, the hotel would operate year round – helping to support the local economy by encouraging visitors to Pitlochry across all four seasons. “

Highland ward councillor Mike Williamson said: “I welcome the potential opportunity for 35 new jobs in Pitlochry.”

If approved, the hotel would operate year round – helping to support the local economy. NICK JOHNSTON, PREMIER INN