Crieff Community Trust has been awarded £7,000 from the Scottish Land Fund and £10,000 from Perth & Kinross Council to conduct a feasibility study on the Drummond Arms and the potential for other disused buildings in the town centre.

An outcome of the recently completed Community Action Plan for Crieff identified that enhancing the Town Centre was a top priority, particularly in relation to addressing the issue of derelict buildings and exploring the potential of the Drummond Arms. The hotel, located in Crieff town centre, has remained unoccupied for a number of years and now, there is an opportunity for the community to investigate the feasibility of owning this asset, which could be the ideal base to deliver innovative projects that will benefit the whole area.

The Scottish Land Fund is delivered in partnership by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Big Lottery Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. The Fund supports geographic communities to become stronger and more active through the ownership and management of land and buildings that are important to them.

CCT Chair, Ailsa Campbell said: ‘CCT is very grateful for these grants. The Trust knows how important these disused sites are to the community and we are pleased to be moving forward’.

CCT has appointed Community Enterprise to carry out the work. Community Enterprise has 20 years experience in the field and CCT is looking forward to working with them. A Community Enterprise spokesperson said: ‘This study aims to show a project that is viable, additional to other activity, fundable and will make a clear difference in Crieff and the surrounding area’.

CCT and Community Enterprise want to make sure the community is given every opportunity to have their say during this study. Look out for consultation events that will be happening over the next few months.

This feasibility work is due to be completed by the end of February 2017.