The future of the iconic building that was once the Drummond Arms Hotel in Crieff could play an integral role in the resurgence of the town itself as a hub for the local and national arts and crafts sector. There is growing support for the building development to include creative and collective workshop spaces, providing studios at affordable rents, along with exhibition, gallery, and retail space as well as facilities which would offer education, training and employment. These would provide a means for small creative businesses to expand, share resources, and enhance and promote a strong artisan community in Crieff bringing in day-trippers and international visitors whilst expanding the economy through entrepreneurship and tourism.

The concept is being developed in collaboration and discussion with local creatives and it is clear that there is a growing demand for workshop spaces. Many artists from across the artistic spectrum have shown a strong interest in having a Crieff town centre collective workshop space and an outlet for displaying and selling their products as well as a high-end training facility in the creative arts.

Affordable hostel-style accommodation would also be part of the visionary development which would hope to provide cheap stays to the town for families, cultural tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Hostel operators in the region have advised that there is a demand for low-cost accommodation in the area and the regeneration company continues to seek operators for this opportunity.

We will be launching an advertising campaign in early July, which will focus on finding hostel operators, along with other organisations that would like to host their operations in this refurbished town centre heritage building.  All options will be considered.  Details of how you can be involved will follow soon.

It is important though that we also continue to focus on ensuring that we cover all the bases in respect of a future for the site and so we will also be offering the opportunity to buy the building or if it becomes an option, the cleared site. This will ensure all possibilities are covered if the current proposal is unsuccessful in acquiring funding and also if, in the future, demolition planning needs to be sought, although at this time that is very much a last resort.

Keep an eye out for further updates and the DARL website launch as the project progresses.