New plans have been put forward for a £30 million transformation of a Perthshire country estate that could create hundreds of jobs.
Murrayshall Country Estate has submitted ambitious proposals for a range of new leisure facilities and holiday accommodation at the venue, near Scone.
The multi-million-pound proposals for the estate are expected to support up to 400 jobs across Perth and Kinross.
Estate owners, Stellar Murrayshall LLP, has now submitted their plans for a mixed-use development to the local authority.
Plans for hotel extension, spa and lodges
The proposals include an extension to the four-star hotel, a new spa and leisure facilities.
The proposals also include the potential for outdoor pursuits. They will be available to use by hotel guests and members of the public.
The masterplan application also sets out plans for the creation of lodges, luxury cabins and timeshare or holiday homes.
In addition, an area of land has been identified for a solar farm. That will provide renewable energy and help the estate reduce running costs.
Plans to diversify the estate were first drawn up in 2020. A planning application was lodged with Perth and Kinross Council in March 2021.
The application was later withdrawn to enable a review of the mix of development to be proposed on the estate.
That subsequently led to the decision to remove the potential enabling residential development.
A proposal of application notice was then submitted last November.
‘Exciting time’ for Murrayshall
Murrayshall general manager Gary Silcock said: “Following an extensive consultation, we are delighted to bring forward our revised plans based on the feedback and comments received from the local community.
“This is an exciting time as we progress with our long-term aspirations for the estate which will ultimately help grow and sustain the business for years to come.
“We remain confident that the £30m investment for the diversification of Murrayshall will have a positive effect on the local economy, while securing jobs and creating new employment.
“We are committed to investing in our staff. We’ve been engaging with UHI Perth to assist in training and development opportunities for employees.
“Through the diversification of the estate, we are hoping to bring in more opportunities to host and support events.”
Public consultation on £30m plans
The developer held two in-person public consultation events at the estate.
The first of those allowed the team to showcase their plans and receive feedback from the public.
At the second event in January, the team provided responses to the feedback it had received.
Meanwhile, the team behind the project has also held separate meetings with stakeholders and local residents.
A dedicated website for the project has been created. It will remain open until the conclusion of the planning process.
Mr Silcock said he was hopeful of continuing “positive engagement” with locals and stakeholders.
A detailed application is expected to be submitted to Perth & Kinross Council in the coming weeks.
Built in 1664, Murrayshall dates back over 400 years.
Murrayshall House was modernised in the 18th century and in 1973 the estate became the luxury hotel it is today.
Last year, Murrayshall Country Estate has invested £1m in refurbishing 14 of its junior and deluxe suites. A new restaurant, Eolas, also opened in April 2022.
The land spans over 365 acres including woodland, part of the River Tay, two parkland golf courses and stately gardens.
Conversation