More than 100 local residents turned out in force at the weekend to vent their anger at plans to close a hotel and turn it into 12 flats.
Organised by The Glenfarg Hotel Action Group, the protesters stood outside the hotel in the Perthshire village on Saturday and spoke of their dismay that the controversial plan has been officially lodged with Perth and Kinross Council.
John Hewitt, director of Arngask Hotels Ltd, has claimed he decided not to reopen the hotel as it was not “economically viable”. He also alleged there was a concerted social media “hate campaign” aimed at hurting him and his family.
Mr Hewitt, who took over the running of The Glenfarg Hotel in 2013, previously told The Courier that he lost around £100,000 last year.
However, members of Glenfarg Community Council said they were “shocked” to hear the hotel would not be opening its doors again.
After a protest march outside the hotel on Saturday, local resident Steve Whiting said many people “are extremely upset and angry” that a property developer “masquerading as a hotelier” is trying to rip the heart out of the village by closing the hotel, for his “own potential financial gain.”
“We do not need 12 new flats,” he said.
And Bob Buchan added: “The Glenfarg Hotel is no ordinary hotel, it’s almost an institution. During its 120-year history many people, from all walks of life, have passed through its doors.
“Since I have lived in the village these have included Billy Connolly, Dougie MacLean, international cricketers Tony Greig, Greg and Ian Chappell, ex-Scotland and St Johnstone manager Willie Ormond, PGA golfer Raymond Russell, Kirsty Wark, Nicholas Fairbairn and John Otway.
“Not only do villagers love their hotel, it also has a place in the hearts of many. The permanent closure of this fine hotel would be a travesty.”
Kate Armstrong said: “I moved to Glenfarg 40 years ago and I believe there is no better community in the country. The Glenfarg Hotel is an integral part of this community it’s a place to meet, to celebrate, to socialise and to entertain.
“This hotel has served a community and visitors from all over the world for over 120 years since it was the Railway Hotel of the late 19th century. Today it is also an invaluable source of employment for the youth of the village.”
The plan has been lodged by Jim Watters but he was not available for comment. Mr Hewitt was not available for comment either.