Works to repair a ‘dangerous’ Crieff former hotel have begun after a community campaign.
Scaffolding was put up onto the abandoned Drummond Arms Hotel on Monday morning as renovations began.
Members of the Crieff Community Trust (CCT) had spent several years faced with a number of obstacles before eventually buying the former hotel.
Now repair work will be carried out over the next 12 weeks to secure the dilapidated James Square building until the Trust decides its future.
Ailsa Campbell, chairwoman of the CCT, said: “Housing of some sort is an option but it is still to be decided what it will actually become.”
Graham Donaldson, of nearby sweet shop Gordon and Durward, spoke of the long term effects the abandoned hotel has had on the town.
He said: “It has been a carbuncle in the town for so long.
“It is heart breaking to see such a beautiful building in such a dilapidated state.
“It’s fantastic that work is starting. It will bring life back into the town.
“It is in such a dangerous state.”
Former Crieff Community Council Chairman, Craig Findlay echoed the sense of relief felt by many in the town that work is beginning to ensure the former hotel becomes safe.
He said: “It is fantastic now that it is now being tackled by the Crieff Community Trust.”
The hotel is on the national Buildings at Risk Register. The B-listed Victorian building has deteriorated since its closure more than a decade ago.
There were safety concerns after people were said to be breaking in and walking on rotten floorboards.
MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Liz Smith said she is “delighted” that something is being done to secure the crumbling building.
She said: “This is excellent news for the town of Crieff.
“The Drummond Arms has been an eyesore for so many years, clearly affecting businesses and tourism in the area, and that is something that has caused considerable concern.
“There was excellent reception this morning from the local businesses that something positive is now happening.”
MSP for the Perthshire South and Kinross-shire constituency, Roseanna Cunningham said she is “really pleased” work has started.
“That, of course, is just the beginning for the renewal of this old building,” she said.
“Even now, after lying uncared for over a number of years, it still has a place in peoples’ hearts and I look forward eagerly to seeing it come back to life.”
