Crumbling icons alongside frustrated developments

The buildings on Perth and Kinross Council’s “wanted list” are a collection of crumbling relics and failed development bids.

The Drummond Arms in Crieff has long been on the local community’s hit list, with Crieff Community Trust among those working to bring about its renovation.

While those efforts progress, however, it continues to deteriorate and in May had to be cordoned off after debris fell from upper storeys into the street.

Perth’s Clachan Bar on South Methven Street, meanwhile, has been closed for more than a decade, during which plans for its rebirth have come and gone.

At least one – to see a restaurant created on the ground floor and flats above – has been accepted by the council but no work has ever taken place.

As it has deteriorated, so has the structure of neighbouring properties inextricably linked to the declining building. Last year the collapse of a rear wall brought the safety of the entire structure into question and caused the closure of the much-loved Quality Cafe.

Another of Perth’s best-known empty buildings is the former Sportsters nightclub – latterly Harry’s Bar – which was placed on the market earlier this month with an asking price of £1.25 million.

The impressive 1860s building has had a number of nightclub and eatery uses in recent years. It remains in excellent condition but occupies a large and prominent city centre site – next to the Clachan – and there is no wish to see it empty for long.

Not all the buildings on the target list can have a happy ending as the position of some has already moved on since the officials began to compile the list.

The Waverley Hotel in Perth is already being demolished to make way for a new church centre.

St Paul’s Church, meanwhile, has been taken on by the council to create an open air space for performances.

The former Drummond Arms Hotel, High Street, Crieff.