THE PERFECT HOLIDAY ESCAPE?
Your chance to relax... in huts that once held German prisoners
THEY were once used to house thousands of German soldiers captured during the Second World War.
But now there are plans to convert the former prisoner of war accommodation into considerably more luxurious holiday homes.
At one time, around 4,000 inmates were held in 84 huts at Cultybraggan camp near Comrie, Perthshire. In the new development, five B-listed Nissen huts at Camp 21 could become ‘highquality, sustainable’ self-catering accommodation.
The project will receive a £109,000 windfall from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to help efforts to develop the site.
It is one of four heritage schemes across the country to share HES funding totalling almost £843,000
Cultybraggan, which was built in 1941, is the only Second World War PoW camp in Scotland open to the public. After the inmates moved out it was used as an MoD training camp from 1948 to 2004.
In 2007 it was bought by Comrie Development Trust amid fears it would be demolished.
Today it houses a visitor centre, heritage trail and community orchard, with some huts hired to an eclectic mix of local businesses such as a pottery and bakery.
Since August 2018, for a small fee visitors have been able to enjoy a storyboard heritage trail. There are also installations which include a refurbished prison block and a recreation of inmate accommodation in one of the 100ft-long huts. The camp is also used by a variety of groups including Cubs, Guides and Comrie in Colour.
Other recipients of HES funding include Hospitalfield House in Arbroath, Angus.
A £92,387 repair grant will help with the restoration of its 19th century fernery.
Designed in 1872 by Patrick Allan Fraser to house two New Zealand tree ferns, it is the only building of its type remaining on the East Coast.
Hospitalfield was part of the estate that artist and architect Allan Fraser left in trust after his death in 1890 to support artists of the future.
The house’s walled garden is to feature a new design exploring 800 years of its history, with yearround public opening.
Hospitalfield director, Lucy Byatt, said: ‘This is the first major investment into the buildings for 100 years.’
In addition, Inverness Creative Academy will receive £500,000 and Dunollie Castle in Oban, Argyll, will be given around £142,000.