logo
Blaze-hit Loch Tay crannog could return as Taymouth events space

Blaze-hit Loch Tay crannog could return as Taymouth events space

The Couriera day ago

The former Scottish Crannog Centre could be set to rise from the ashes as part of the Taymouth Marina and Resort.
Plans to turn the defunct Loch Tay attraction into a cafe, bar and events space have been lodged with Perth and Kinross Council.
This could involve the reinstatement of its replica Iron Age crannog, which was destroyed in a fire in 2021.
Taymouth Marina bosses say the resort has become so popular since the launch of its HotBox Spa that it needs a new social area for guests.
And developers say the site's position and panoramic views of Loch Tay and Ben Lawers could offer 'an inviting and unique venue for small events'.
The land, just outside Kenmore on the south side of Loch Tay, is owned by Taymouth Marina and Resort.
It was home to the Scottish Crannog Centre museum, shop and on-shore Iron Age village until last year when the blaze-hit attraction reopened at a new location on the other side of the loch.
Strathtay Developments is behind the new plan.
It wants to change the use of the old Crannog Centre to service small events, private functions and dining.
The crannog structure would be reconstructed as 'a symbolic and functional element of the site'.
And the on-shore buildings would be 'sensitively restored' to include a new commercial kitchen, multi-use interior space and outdoor terrace.
A planning statement, submitted alongside the application says: 'The proposal shall incorporate the reinstatement of the original thatched Crannog, using retained timber elements from the original walkway.'
The developers say regenerating the former Crannog Centre site will enhance the resort's existing facilities and create permanent new jobs.
The statement explains: 'Taymouth Marina and Resort has gained significant growth in recent years due to the success of the Hot Box Spa and the increased demand of informal and high-quality social spaces within a resort atmosphere.'
However, this popularity has put pressure on the resort's Ferryman's Inn, which is now operating at full capacity.
The statement goes on: 'The applicant has identified the former Crannog Centre as a location to offer alternative space which will provide a communal hub for resort guests which can also be used for small events.'
The development could create four jobs.
That's on top of the 58 full-time and 20 seasonal workers already employed at the resort.
Taymouth Marina chiefs told The Courier they have nothing to add at the moment.
But they say they recognise the site's historical importance and are committed to working with stakeholders.
The plans can be viewed here.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Blaze-hit Loch Tay crannog could return as Taymouth events space
Blaze-hit Loch Tay crannog could return as Taymouth events space

The Courier

timea day ago

  • The Courier

Blaze-hit Loch Tay crannog could return as Taymouth events space

The former Scottish Crannog Centre could be set to rise from the ashes as part of the Taymouth Marina and Resort. Plans to turn the defunct Loch Tay attraction into a cafe, bar and events space have been lodged with Perth and Kinross Council. This could involve the reinstatement of its replica Iron Age crannog, which was destroyed in a fire in 2021. Taymouth Marina bosses say the resort has become so popular since the launch of its HotBox Spa that it needs a new social area for guests. And developers say the site's position and panoramic views of Loch Tay and Ben Lawers could offer 'an inviting and unique venue for small events'. The land, just outside Kenmore on the south side of Loch Tay, is owned by Taymouth Marina and Resort. It was home to the Scottish Crannog Centre museum, shop and on-shore Iron Age village until last year when the blaze-hit attraction reopened at a new location on the other side of the loch. Strathtay Developments is behind the new plan. It wants to change the use of the old Crannog Centre to service small events, private functions and dining. The crannog structure would be reconstructed as 'a symbolic and functional element of the site'. And the on-shore buildings would be 'sensitively restored' to include a new commercial kitchen, multi-use interior space and outdoor terrace. A planning statement, submitted alongside the application says: 'The proposal shall incorporate the reinstatement of the original thatched Crannog, using retained timber elements from the original walkway.' The developers say regenerating the former Crannog Centre site will enhance the resort's existing facilities and create permanent new jobs. The statement explains: 'Taymouth Marina and Resort has gained significant growth in recent years due to the success of the Hot Box Spa and the increased demand of informal and high-quality social spaces within a resort atmosphere.' However, this popularity has put pressure on the resort's Ferryman's Inn, which is now operating at full capacity. The statement goes on: 'The applicant has identified the former Crannog Centre as a location to offer alternative space which will provide a communal hub for resort guests which can also be used for small events.' The development could create four jobs. That's on top of the 58 full-time and 20 seasonal workers already employed at the resort. Taymouth Marina chiefs told The Courier they have nothing to add at the moment. But they say they recognise the site's historical importance and are committed to working with stakeholders. The plans can be viewed here.

Perth's South Inch pavilion cafe reopens with Blend Coffee Lounge team at helm
Perth's South Inch pavilion cafe reopens with Blend Coffee Lounge team at helm

The Courier

time05-06-2025

  • The Courier

Perth's South Inch pavilion cafe reopens with Blend Coffee Lounge team at helm

Perth's South Inch pavilion cafe has reopened with a familiar city name on the door. The team behind Perth's Blend Coffee Lounge have taken on the running of the popular landmark. Blend's Sundeep Salins says it's a privilege to become the latest stewards of a venue that holds so many warm memories for the people of Perth. 'We've only just opened and the response has been great,' he said. 'People remember the pavilion and the boating pond, and they're all saying how glad they are to see the cafe open again. 'It's nice to be able to breathe new life into the place.' The South Inch pavilion is owned by Perth and Kinross Council. It advertised for a new operator to run the pavilion cafe at the start of the year. The rest of the building is occupied by Fair City Juniors Football Club. Under Blend's management, the South Inch pavilion cafe will initially be open from 10am-7pm. Sundeep says the team will settle on the right opening hours for weekends once they've had a chance to assess demand. They are also keen to stay open through the autumn and winter. The cafe will sell light snacks, ice cream tubs, milkshakes and soft drinks, as well as Blend's famous coffee. Its toilets will also be open to the public. Blend started in Perth's Old High Street in 2013. The South Inch pavilion cafe will be its seventh outlet. The original coffee lounge is still going strong, hosting regular events including a Menopause Cafe and a popular street poetry night. Sundeep says the aim was to create 'a safe space for the city', and that's the goal for the pavilion too. 'We're looking forward to growing our community at the South Inch,' he said. 'We're hoping we can make it a place for all the people who use the park – mothers and toddlers, people who work from home, people who have come to the park looking for a bit of headspace. 'Really we're hoping people will come to us and tell us what they want.' The South Inch pavilion cafe has had a number of operators over the years. Sundeep says the Blend team are grateful to Perth and Kinross Council for all their support in getting the building ready to reopen. Councillor Eric Drysdale, convener of the council's economy and infrastructure committee, says it's been a pleasure. 'It is fantastic to see Blend opening on the South Inch,' he said. 'The council has worked closely with Sundeep, and Fair City Community Football Club who have leased the rest of the pavilion, to bring the building back to life. 'I am sure this will be a huge success and a great addition to the South Inch.'

Prolonged efforts to close Perth port compared to getting man on the moon
Prolonged efforts to close Perth port compared to getting man on the moon

Daily Record

time02-06-2025

  • Daily Record

Prolonged efforts to close Perth port compared to getting man on the moon

Perth and Kinross Council voted to stop operating Perth Harbour as a commercial port in February 2023 but it remains open Perth and Kinross Council's leader has compared the efforts to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port to sending astronauts to the moon. In February 2023 councillors voted to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port but - over two years later - the port remains open despite only two vessels having used it in 2024/25. ‌ On Wednesday, May 28 councillors voted for Perth and Kinross Council to remain statutory harbour authority and close it as a commercial port but allow leisure use of Perth Harbour. ‌ The chairman of Perth Harbour Board - which has now been discontinued - Bailie Chris Ahern voiced his dissent at the meeting of PKC's Economy of Infrastructure Committee where the decision was made. As the committee gave its approval, SNP council leader Grant Laing said: "Everyone can agree it's taken a lot of time but there were a lot of attempts to put someone on the moon for the first time. If you're doing something for the first time, there are going to be setbacks." Moving it for approval, convener and deputy leader Eric Drysdale said: "The closure of a commercial harbour is not an easy option for this council or any council to take, but we have to balance the merits of continuing to run a loss-making harbour that is a drain on this council's finances against the benefits that may ensue through regeneration for leisure, tourism and nature conservation. ‌ "Discussions with Transport Scotland have concluded that the best course would be for the council to retain the statutory harbour authority duty but cease the competent harbour authority duties which will mean excluding commercial vessels over 24m. If agreed this will go to public consultation and will be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval in due course. "Can I also acknowledge the significant contributions made by the Harbour Board and its dedicated members over the past few years? Their efforts have been invaluable and I would like to extend the committee's thanks to them for their work." After councillors voted in February to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port, it was marketed for long-term lease. One bid was submitted which was withdrawn on September 8, 2023. ‌ On September 15, 2023, Perth and Kinross Council requested a meeting with Transport Scotland to progress the draft Harbour Revision Order (submitted in June 2023). A council timeline put before councillors said PKC officers were advised by Transport Scotland "they had not yet received legal advice and were unable to provide feedback" and added: "Several subsequent requests for a meeting made with the same result." In December 2023 Transport Scotland acknowledged formal submission of the application for Harbour Revision Order but requested more information, which was provided by PKC in January 2024. ‌ During the lengthy process it emerged it was the first time a statutory port authority had considered relinquishing its duties. Cllr Willie Robertson described the timeline of discussions between PKC and Transport Scotland - outlined in an appendix to the Perth and Kinross Council report - as "unbelievable" reading. The Kinross-shire Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Robertson questioned the "huge delays" and "the fact they continually have to be chased up to move this process forward". ‌ He added: "We can't allow Transport Scotland to cost this council more and more money that we don't need to spend." PKC's strategic lead for Economy, Development and Planning Serge Merone said the council was working with Transport Scotland on a "change of approach to help reduce any delays in the coming weeks to take that to a successful outcome". Cllr Robertson responded: "I don't think we can allow Transport Scotland's incompetence to go unmarked. For me, it's just not acceptable." ‌ He requested a letter be written to Scotland's Transport Minister outlining the issues. Convener Eric Drysdale said: "I do accept this has been a protracted process to date and lessons have to be learnt. I can assure you necessary steps will be taken." Council leader Grant Laing added: "The problem is this has never been done before to a commercial port so there was no framework to work with. There is no legal advice to work to. ‌ "I've been as frustrated as anyone but we had to make sure we were compliant with all legalities." He added: "At least there will be a framework now if any other port wants to close down. "It's groundbreaking to close the commercial port and I think the result is quite good that it gives us an opportunity to have more leisure in the harbour." ‌ Despite having "virtually no commercial traffic", PKC has had to continue commercial operations - during the long process - and comply with legislation and guidance, which has come at a cost. PKC reported a net expenditure of £208,000 as of March 31, 2024. The projected net expenditure as of March 31, 2025 is estimated at around £100,000 - depending on potential income from vessels - and includes the legal fees relating to the port closure. However, PKC sold the Fair Maid tugboat for £500,000 in 2023-24. ‌ The estimated annual cost for PKC to remain as statutory harbour authority for leisure use - rather than as a commercial port - is around £65,000. The costs include: rent and rates; a designated person to provide independent assurance of marine safety management; a qualified harbourmaster to ensure compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code: maintenance; oil spill cover; replacement and repair of personal protective equipment, and running a website. Conservative leader John Duff said: "This is a sorry tale. Two years and four months ago we voted to close Perth Harbour and two years and four months later - somewhat belatedly - we're advised this is a first in the UK and it's too hard for Transport Scotland to conclude this and perhaps we should consider a Harbour Revision Order instead. "Objections could still mean this could take six to 18 months before we can rid ourselves of only some of the responsibilities in terms of running the harbour." He added: "Transport Scotland have certainly not covered themselves in glory in relation to the way and speed in which they have dealt with our situation and the various requests for information." The delays, in part, appear to have arisen from health and safety concerns for the remaining small vessel users of the harbour and ensuring maintenance and safety requirements would be met. A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: "We have recently received information regarding a proposed Harbour Revision Order for Perth Harbour. Our aim is to work closely with all prospective applicants to ensure any final application and subsequent order is robust, both legally and from a policy perspective. This involves increased scrutiny in the pre-application stage which helps support those objectives."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store