Site is up for auction
48 hours to bid on Spittal of Glenshee site
Hopefully, with the benefit of planning permission, there may be interest to take on the project and bring back a much-needed tourist attraction
Councillor Bob Brawn
Calls have been made to transform the site of a former iconic east Perthshire hotel into a “fitting tourist attraction”.
The historic Spittal of Glenshee Hotel was almost completely destroyed by a fierce blaze in August 2014, which saw 50 fire service personnel work tirelessly to extinguish the inferno.
The once-popular site, which regularly welcomed skiers and tourists, has now lain derelict for nearly seven years.
But the buildings are set to be put under auction on Tuesday this week by Auction House Scotland, with prospective buyers being given 48 hours to bid for the site.
The minimum opening bid will be set at £200,000, and the lot includes the hotel buildings as well as a 3.46-acre plot.
Planning permission has already been granted for a new restaurant and 18 holiday lodges on the land set to go under the hammer.
Blairgowrie and Glens Conservative councillor, Bob Brawn, hopes the site can be restored to its former glory by the successful bidder.
He said: “Following the tragic fire it has been sad to see this once popular hotel deteriorate into nothing short of an eyesore on what is a main tourist route into the Cairngorms National Park.
“Furthermore, as the site is not secure it represents a risk to anyone who enters particularly to children whose natural curiosity might lead them to explore.
“Over the years, several attempts have been made to take on the site and redevelop it but to no avail.
“So, it is good news that the decision has been made to put it into auction.
“Hopefully, with the benefit of planning permission for a restaurant and holiday lodges, there may be interest to take on the project and bring back a much-needed tourist attraction to the area.”
Perthshire North Conservative Scottish Parliament election candidate, Murdo Fraser, added: “The Spittal of Glenshee Hotel was an iconic tourist attraction that was particularly popular with skiers.
“The fire obviously left the building in ruins and it has been sad to see it in its present state.
“So, it would be a very welcome outcome if a developer buys the site and we have a building to accompany the restaurant and holiday lodges that should be built there in the future.”