Perth & Kinross Council’s Finance and Resources Committee is set to consider a proposal to transfer the building into council ownership when they meet next week (20 November 2024).

The Drummond Arms Regeneration Limited (DARL), the organisation established by the Crieff Community Trust to transform the building, has written to the council leader to offer the transfer at nil value.

The high-profile town centre building has lain empty since 2006. It had fallen increasingly into disrepair as no commercial buyer could be found before the community group acquired the building.

Unfortunately, while DARL has undertaken a significant amount of work since taking ownership of the building to assess, secure, clear and make it safe, its most recent structural survey revealed that the structural elements and timbers have continued to deteriorate significantly. The current condition of the building has also led to a Dangerous Buildings Notice being served at the end of October requiring the roof structure, chimneys and high street facing dormer windows to be made safe.

DARL has concluded that it has exhausted all funding options and is unable to meet the requirements of the Dangerous Buildings Notice or continue to operate beyond March 2025.

Councillor Grant Laing, leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said: “This is a decision of last resort. The community group had great ambitions for the building, but unfortunately have not been able to deliver on these. There’s a real risk that if DARL goes into liquidation still owning the building that the ensuing legal procedures would leave the future of the site in question for many, many more years.

“If the committee supports the request to transfer the building title to the council this also allow us to protect public safety and bring an end to the lengthy saga of the Drummond Arms. The condition of the building means that the only viable option left is demolition. While it is not the news local residents will have hoped for, it is the most practical solution to mitigate the risks posed by the deteriorating structure.”

A report will be brought to a future committee about development options for the site after demolition, including using it for affordable housing.