ICONIC SITE: LATEST UPDATE
Drummond Arms future
DARL chair David McCann
Th e chair of the body overseeing the development of the Drummond Arms in Crieff has moved to clarify the group’s position following speculation the former hotel could be turned into luxury flats.
The Drummond Arms Regeneration Company (DARL) was set up by Crieff Community Trust ( CCT) to spearhead the development of the iconic former hotel in James Square
The deteriorating derelict building was secured for the community by CCT and is currently undergoing work to make it safe, with a £600,000 grant allocated by Perth and Kinross Council through the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund.
And DARL chair David McCann this week told the Herald “no proposal for the ongoing development has yet been decided upon” regarding future use of the site.
This was despite reports elsewhere last week claiming a potential property development was the furthest forward of the options being considered as part of a business plan. Mr McCann said: “We would like to provide some clarity regarding the development and potential restoration of the Drummond Arms building, in response to some reports and some misunderstanding circulating locally.”
Mr McCann stressed that any proposal for what happens next at the site will have to be economically sustainable, with any profits derived being reinvested into the community.
He also explained the funding already sourced for the structure is to make it safe, secure and ready for development – whatever that development may be.
Mr McCann stated: “Crieff Community Trust, after many years of dedication and hard work, secured ownership of this historic building to ensure that it will be made safe, secure and brought into a condition necessary for development. All public funding secured to date has been solely for this purpose.
“Perth and Kinross Council, important partners in this process, and the CCT subsidiary, the Drummond Arms Regeneration Company, continue to work closely together to develop plans for the building’s future.
“No proposal for the ongoing development has yet been decided upon as we await the various professional reports which will provide the necessary information concerning any structural and environmental issues, and the overall condition of the building.”
He continued: “All proposals will, of course, be fully considered and given due diligence, including proposals for resident i a l development. However, the most important guiding factor will be the economic sustainability of any proposal to ensure that the future of this site is secured for generations to come.
“Indeed, we will also look for opportunities to maximise the potential financial benefits of any proposal and any income derived from the development of the Drummond Arms will be re-invested in projects that benefit the community of Crieff.”
Mr McCann added: “At this time the Drummond Arms site has been saved from continuing deterioration. The next stage of its journey is yet to begin.”
No proposal for the ongoing development has yet been decided upon as we await the various professional reports