Plans to restore a Kirriemuir hotel to its former glories could create up to 20 new jobs for the Angus town.
A six-figure investment in the Airlie Arms Hotel will see its glum appearance banished as it is transformed into a haven for socialising and events. Owner Dilys Ewart said she has been delighted with the positive reaction to the project from Kirrie residents.
Dilys, 25, could not resist the opportunity to invest in the dejected B-listed building in St Malcom’s Wynd, with the support of her father Barrie, who owns the town’s Autosales garage.
She was faced with a building that had certainly seen better days and was in need of considerable attention but there was support from within the family and beyond.
Angus Council will also be pleased that the Airlie has a bright future, given that it was identified as a priority under Kirriemuir Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).
Dilys said: “It is an eyesore just now.
“I want to create somewhere that I would want to go and have a nice meal and a few drinks.
“I hope to give people something different, somewhere else to go.”
Since announcing her plans, Dilys has been met with an “unbelievable” response, with great interest in a new venue for parties and other functions.
People have also expressed an interest in finding work at a rejuvenated Airlie Arms. Dilys places significant stock in the input of the community, as it helps build a picture of what people want.
Dilys said: “We hope to generate about 20 jobs and plan to employ locally. I have had inquiries about jobs already.
“Everyone seems to be loving what we are up to; the idea that the building is going to reopen as a hotel and nobody is going to turn it into something other than a hotel.”
Extensive roof repairs are the immediate priority, with the work currently out to tender in line with possible Angus Council funding via the Kirriemuir CARS. If the work starts on schedule, hopes are that the bar, kitchen and general area will open in May.
The hotel, which dates from the 18th Century and is on the buildings at risk register, will open in four phases, with care and attention taken to each part of the building’s rejuvenation. With the bar and kitchen in operation, the restaurant, hotel rooms and function suite will follow.
The Kirriemuir CARS is a £1.1 million Angus Council/Historic Scotland five-year grant programme aimed at enhancing the appearance of the town’s conservation area.
A conservation area appraisal and management plan is also being produced, which will analyse the area’s special character.
Kirriemuir still retains much of its original medieval street pattern around the Old (Barony) Parish Church. The boundary of the conservation area reflects the town’s distinctive historical layout.
The conservation area varies in character to include not only the original medieval core of the burgh but its later expansion to the west up Glengate, eastwards along Brechin Road and the main thoroughfare northwards up the Roods.
With essential roof repairs due to start soon, Dilys is not resting on her laurels. On Monday she was busy removing the water-damaged old bar with the help of her dad and her fianc, Greig.
She said: “Due to the damage, it was unusable. The next stage is to get fixtures and fittings sorted out and light fittings in the bar.
“We’re ploughing ahead with the work.”
Photo by Angus Pictures