Perth and Kinross Council has ruled out forcing the owners of a burned out hotel in the Cairngorms National Park to sell the land to it in a bid to secure the area.
The Spittal of Glenshee Hotel was destroyed when it went up in flames more than five years ago, and the site has fallen into further disrepair since then.
Local community groups have urged the landowners to demolish the remnants of the hotel, or secure the site, which is next to a holiday park.
After years of campaigning to no avail, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser queried whether Perth and Kinross Council would be able to intervene.
The Conservative politician called on the local authority to use compulsory purchase powers to take over the eyesore.
However, this weekend, council bosses said it was not an option they are considering.
A council spokesperson said: “It is the responsibility of the landowner to ensure that the site is secured.
“We have however regularly carried out inspections at the property and considered the position relative to the Buildings (Scotland) Act.
“We have determined that direct action is not appropriate.
“We will be in contact with the landowner to discuss considering additional measures to secure the property.
“As there is no legal justification we can confirm that we are not considering the compulsory purchase of the site, though we appreciate the concerns that have been raised.”
