By Eric Nicolson

HEADS SHOULD roll at Historic Scotland if the organisation has deliberately dragged its feet to thwart the £70 million development of Taymouth Castle, the local councillor has insisted.

The potential developer of the neglected Highland Perthshire landmark, Hotels International, wants to transform it into the nation’s first six-star hotel.

They have warned however that they may be ready to pull out due to a red-tape delay which they have blamed on Historic Scotland.

Breadalbane councillor Ken Lyall, who has Taymouth Castle in his ward, stated yesterday, “I think everyone is aware of Historic Scotland’s objection to the Taymouth Castle proposals. Hotels International have worked very hard over the last few years to adapt their plans to suit Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and others.

“The proposals that Perth and Kinross Council’s Development Control Committee agreed on August 4 this year were the third plan for the castle.

“Maybe Historic Scotland would prefer the castle to slowly deteriorate until it is a ruin. This is not the view of the vast majority of people from Kenmore, indeed Highland Perth- shire.

“I hope that Historic Scotland get the message and act swiftly so that this project can get off the ground. If there are genuine reasons for the delay, I think that we need to know what they are. If this is just a delaying tactic to stop the proposals then heads should roll.”

Without secure listed building consent, Perth and Kinross Council cannot grant final planning permission and the developer cannot commercially exercise their option to purchase.

The completion date to buy the castle, at the head of Loch Tay at Kenmore, is December 31.

However, in order to meet this deadline a decision was required from Historic Scotland and Scottish Executive ministers by December 10 to enable legal and other documentation to be completed.

The chief executive of Historic Scotland, John Graham, has said it is highly unfair to blame his organisation for any delay in the Taymouth Castle project.

He insisted a combination of the developer itself and the council were to blame for any hold-ups as they had taken too long to act on advice given by Historic Scotland.

Several plans to redevelop the castle have failed in recent years, and should this proposal fall through it would be in limbo once again.

The castle dates back to the 16th century and is now best known for its golf course.

The £70 million development would see it reinvented as a first-class hotel at the centre of a resort offering a variety of facilities. Around 300 jobs would be attracted to the area, and the plans were granted unanimously by the local authority on August 4.