Perth and Kinross Council’s chief executive has apologised after plans for an events space in a Highland Perthshire town fell through.
PKC had pledged £383,000 from its £2 million Town Centre Fund to develop an improved civic space for events and markets at Pitlochry’s Memorial Garden.
Councillors have instead agreed to direct this Scottish Government funding towards two key projects in Crieff and rolling out Wi-Fi in four Perthshire towns.
Family left high and dry by council after roof caves in
The decision was made at Wednesday’s (November 25) meeting of PKC’s strategic policy and resources committee.
Councillors were told plans for the events space primarily fell through due to a lack of contact with the landowner.
The report said: “The landowner hasn’t finalised the adjacent old bank site redevelopment proposal and, therefore, understandably, is not in a position to confirm details that would support investment in the space at the Memorial Garden.”
Financial impact of COVID-19 pandemic in region could reach £30 million
Chief executive Karen Reid said: “I think it would be fair to say we are all very disappointed with the situation in Pitlochry.”
Ms Reid said a “lessons learned” approach would be taken for the future. The council committed “to pursue a modified scheme in the short term at the Memorial Garden, including additional lighting proposals, using alternative funding.”
Using the £383,000 initially allocated to Pitlochry and the remaining £32,000 in the Town Centre Fund, councillors agreed to reallocate the £415,000.
Pick up your free pie at historic pub to celebrate St Andrew's Day
The funding has been diverted to: Crieff Hotel ( £100,000), Crieff’s Strathearn Hotel ( £265,000), and installing town centre Wi-Fi in ( £50,000) in Alyth, Comrie, Coupar Angus and Scone as well as extending the coverage of Perth City Wi-Fi.
Strathearn SNP councillor Stewart Donaldson said that while he was “disappointed” for Pitlochry it was a case “use it or lose it” and welcomed the funding being diverted to Crieff.
Under the proposals, the Strathearn Hotel - which he described as an “appalling eyesore and detrimental to tourism in Crieff” - would be demolished.
Tay Cities Deal to last 10 years with news of signing "in next day or two"
The demolition of the former Crieff Hotel is a project being developed by community organisation Creative Crieff which plans to replace the derelict building with a modern Community Arts Space that includes a cinema.
Conservative council leader and committee convener Murray Lyle moved the paper.
He was seconded by Conservative councillor John Duff.
Duo slapped with fines for visit to region as coronavirus cases continue to rise
The Highland Perthshire councillor said: “As you are aware all of the local elected members - myself included - are extremely disappointed that we have been unable to agree and progress the proposed project in the Memorial Gardens, Pitlochry within the terms of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.
He added: “That said, I very much welcome the commitment of the council to develop a local place plan for Pitlochry aimed at having well developed proposals drawn up and ready for future funding opportunities.”
The report was unanimously approved.
