Major Crieff projects given extra funding
Two key Strath projects have received a significant additional funding boost.
Ongoing work at Crieff ’s former Drummond Arms Hotel has been given an additional £140,000, while efforts to create a community arts hub at the town’s former Crieff Hotel have been given a shot in the arm to the tune of £200,000.
The money was allocated by members of Perth and Kinross Council’s strategic policy and resources committee at a virtual meeting held on September 1.
The funding has been sourced from a pot of cash known as the Place Based Investment Programme.
Four other projects in the local authority’s catchment area are to benefit from extra money – including the ongoing town centre WiFi installation project, which includes Comrie and will receive £30,000.
The report discussed at the meeting states the Drummond Arms project has already been allocated £600,000 from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund, while the Crieff Hotel plan – being overseen by Creative Crieff – has previously had £100,000 earmarked for it.
In relation to the Drummond, the papers state: “Estimated additional spend in total [is] c.£962K – however this is made up of several different elements, of which £140,000 could be spent this financial year.”
The document also goes on to reveal those behind the project – Drummond Arms Regeneration Limited ( DARL) – “could spend additional money and [are] looking to purchase [the] neighbouring RBS building” and demolish the existing outbuilding at the rear of the property.
Regarding the former Crieff Hotel, the report continues: “The next phase of the project is the demolition of the hotel, which is estimated to cost c£200K and requires planning consent.”
Moving the motion to grant the funding, committee convener John Duff – a Conservative councillor for the local authority’s Highland ward – said: “The six projects recommended for investment are projects which are either existing approved projects requiring additional funds to complete them, or ones which have requested further funding to take their project to the next development stage.”
He continued: “I am sure all these projects will make a significant difference to the economies of these towns and communities, creating additional vibrancy, investment, and opportunities for both community and business activities.”