Perth and Kinross Council has made a unanimous decision to allocate up to £3 million for the complete demolition of the historic Drummond Arms Hotel in Crieff due to concerns over public safety. This decision follows an outcry after over £1 million of public funds were spent on the building’s redevelopment, which dates back to 1874.
Council leader Grant Laing described the demolition as a last resort, with local councillor Stewart Donaldson expressing deep sadness over the situation. The Drummond Arms Hotel was previously owned by Crieff Community Trust, who aimed to revive the derelict building. However, despite receiving grant funding and making efforts to make the building safe, the trust is now facing voluntary liquidation due to financial constraints.
The council was asked to take ownership of the building and allocate funds for demolition in order to mitigate the safety risk it poses. Chief executive Thomas Glen emphasised the need for a thorough review of the project’s initiation, funding allocation, and monitoring processes. Despite the significant cost to the council, the priority remains addressing the public safety concerns associated with the building.
Councillors expressed sadness at the loss of such a significant landmark in Crieff’s history and raised concerns about the need for stricter legislation to hold building owners accountable for maintenance. The Drummond Arms Hotel ceased operating as a hotel in 2006 and has since deteriorated to the point where it was deemed a dangerous building. The tragic decline of this historic site highlights the importance of proper maintenance and oversight of listed buildings.
In conclusion, the decision to demolish the Drummond Arms Hotel in Crieff reflects a challenging situation where public funds were unable to revive a historic building, leading to concerns over public safety. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and oversight of heritage sites to prevent their deterioration and ultimate demolition.