The company behind the revamp of Taymouth Castle has moved to allay fears the project is in trouble.
Following a recent reduction in the workforce there were concerns the £75 million restoration was beginning to founder.
Owner Meteor Property Fund has confirmed it has reduced the number of people working on the Highland Perthshire estate, but insists this is only a temporary measure.
Since planning permission was granted in June, restoration work has been largely completed on a number of the principal rooms, and the first show residence is due to be finished later this month.
Although is it not expected to be up and running for another two years, Taymouth Castle has already attracted a great deal of interest from investors and the architectural sector.
Earlier this month the development won plaudits at the UK Property Awards, with the team behind the restoration McKenzie Strickland Associations from Aberfeldy picking up accolades for best renovation/redevelopment project and best UK redevelopment project.
Meteor Property Fund has also reported that good progress is being made on the reinstatement of the estate footpath network, as well as work on the James Braid-designed golf course to bring it up to championship standard.
It is hoped the castle will be transformed into a luxury hotel with a golf course in time for the 2014 Ryder Cup.
Despite the plaudits, the ambitious development is not entirely without its critics, with some concerns being raised about the impact such a large-scale project could have upon the local infrastructure.
Perthshire Solicitors and Property Centre (PSPC) manager, Anne Begg, also spoke out recently with a word of warning, claiming Taymouth could ”create a bigger headache” for locals keen to remain in the area by making it more popular with buyers from further afield.
She did, however, add that it could have a hugely positive effect on the area, with an recent study suggesting it will bring an annual injection of £13 million to the Highland Perthshire economy.
The former seat of the Campbells of Breadalbane, Taymouth Castle had a special place in the heart of Queen Victoria, who spent some of her honeymoon there in 1840.
The famous monarch’s love for her husband and for the Scottish Highlands blossomed during her visit.
However, despite this royal seal of approval, the Gothic building had recently been allowed to fall into disrepair.