Fire-hit tourist attraction gets go-ahead to rebuild

A family-run Highland tourist attraction destroyed by fire last year has been granted planning permission to rebuild.

The Speyside Heather Centre, near Dulnain Bridge, will return better than ever, according to the Lambie family who have run the facility since the 1970s. The garden centre was almost completely destroyed in a huge fire in April last year.

Dozens of firefighters battled for hours to contain the blaze but could not save the facility.

The Lambies have since restarted trading on a much reduced scale and will continue to operate throughout the rebuilding process.

They are now waiting for a building warrant being granted, which would allow them to advertise for a contractor.

Craig Lambie, son of founders Betty and David, said: “The new building should be better than the old one, with biomass heated floors.

“It will be much more economical that way so we’re very positive about the way things are going.”

He added: “We’re just waiting for the building warrant coming through and then we can get out to tender.”

Much of the debris from the fire has now been removed and the centre is operating on a smaller scale on the site.

The fire broke out on April 29 as the Lambie family watched from their nearby home. Witnesses described hearing explosions as the blaze took hold throughout the garden centre, which included a whisky-tasting lounge, restaurant and antiques sales area.

Several buildings were razed by the spread of the fire, which was well developed by the time fire crews arrived.

At the time, Mrs Lambie described it as her “worst nightmare”.

The new building will be slightly larger than its predecessor and will include a cafe and a large sales area.

In granting planning permission, Highland Council officer John Kelly described it as an “interesting and varied design which will complement and enhance the area”.