Several Angus councillors have voiced their concerns at the lack of hotel accommodation in Forfar.
The town has been bereft of a large-scale hotel since the closure of the Royal Hotel on Castle Street in 2010 and council officers have been trying to attract new owners since.
The hotel is owned by Oxford Inns and Hotels, which also has the Carnoustie Golf Hotel as part of its Scottish portfolio, and SNP councillor Glennis Middleton is keen to see an improvement of the empty hotel’s appearance.
”I’m aware that council officers were trying to have discussions with Oxford Inns about not only the future of the Royal Hotel but the condition of the Royal Hotel,” said Councillor Middleton.
”I am most concerned that right in our town centre we have a building which, for all intents and purposes, has been abandoned and I would very much like Oxford Inns to step up to the mark and, at the very least, keep the site in good condition because it has become most unsightly.
”It was always a popular venue, whether it was for local people going in for a coffee or for people using the leisure facilities. Now it’s just an abandoned building.”
Planning approval has recently been given to KFC to build a restaurant near the council offices in Forfar, alongside the already established McDonald’s outlet.
A spokesman for the franchise which operates KFC in Scotland said: ”We’re delighted to confirm that planning permission has been granted for a new KFC on the A90 just outside Forfar, and we hope to open in the first half of 2013.
”The drive-through will create around 40 career opportunities in the local area, and we look forward to welcoming the local community to our restaurant.”
A planning application has also been submitted to Angus Council by Mackay Planning, seeking permission to build a Marston’s restaurant near the two food outlets.
If those plans are approved and added to the already existing facilities, it could make the area an attractive prospect for a hotel chain looking to position itself near the A90.
Independent councillor Colin Brown said a hotel is something Forfar desperately needs.
”A hotel with all the trimmings, i.e. leisure facilities etc, would be something I would welcome,” Councillor Brown told The Courier.
”It’s just a pity that someone didn’t take over the Royal. It would have been very good if we could have got a hotel chain or a private individual to take the Royal on.
”There’s absolutely no accommodation in Forfar, other than three rooms at the Queen’s and four or five in private bed and breakfasts in people’s homes.
”If someone was to take over the Royal, I would say it would brighten up and tidy up the Cross, but the longer it sits the worse it gets.
”I think there was interest before but it seems to have cooled. It was a busy restaurant with a pool and bar. It is missed by the people of Forfar.”
Pub chain Wetherspoons had previously admitted that it was keen to find a site in Forfar last year, but would not confirm speculation that it was interested in reopening the Royal.
A spokesman said: ”The company is keen to open in the town. However, it will not comment on individual sites.”
When the 21-bedroom Royal Hotel closed its doors, around 20 full- and part-time staff lost their jobs as a result. Oxford Hotels and Inns was unable to comment on the status of the hotel at the time of going to press.