A Perthshire castle could miss out on vital improvements unless it wins the go-ahead to host Scotland’s most popular music festival, it has been claimed.
The owners of Strathallan Castle have stressed that hosting T in the Park in the grounds of their estate will generate crucial capital for a major upgrade.
Anna Roberts, whose family has owned the landmark property for more than century, said that without permission they may be forced to consider a backup plan which would involve staging a series of other money-making events over the course of the year.
Organisers DF Concert had to move out of their original Balado home after more than 20 years after a nearby oil pipeline sparked safety fears.
The group’s application for planning permission to stage the three-day event at Strathallan has been lodged with Perth and Kinross Council.
A final decision is expected to be made in April, following a 28-day public consultation exercise.
Concerns about the future of the Strathallan Estate were revealed in an environmental statement commissioned by DF Concerts and submitted alongside their application.
It shows that the site’s long-term future is dependent on the show going ahead. Money made from the event will allow for the repair of the castle and other historical buildings which are now showing signs of deterioration.
In the last six months, one of the properties on the estate has collapsed following storm damage.
Ms Roberts said: “It’s imperative for the future of Strathallan Estate that we have the ability to repair and improve the infrastructure and the arrival of T in the Park would enable us to do this.
“We’ve looked at various different options, always with the best interests of the estate and the extended local area in mind and we feel extremely positive that hosting T in the Park would be the right move.”
She added: “Not only would it be good for the estate, it would also offer a huge economic injection, a boost to tourism and long-term opportunities for many other local businesses.”
Despite threats from some in the area to fight the Strathallan move in the courts, DF Concerts has said its proposal has proved favourable with locals.
They cite a survey taken at public meeting last year which showed 66% of attendants felt positive about the move. A further 20% were opposed, while the rest were undecided.
Strathallan Estate, near Auchterarder, dates back to the 13th century and was sold to the Roberts family in 1910.
Income is currently raised through letting rooms in the castle for wedding receptions and corporate events, while the grounds have been used for team-building activities and clay pigeon shooting.