The restoration of Taymouth Castle must be completed before any additional work is carried out on the estate, the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland has advised.
Plans to build lodges that will then support larger renovations are at odds with the initial consent awarded to the Taymouth Group Ltd, which pledged the castle would come first before it went into administration.
The society is keen that the latest developer to consider the project shows it is “acting in good faith” by addressing the gothic structure first.
The stunning castle has fallen into disrepair and ambitious plans to turn it into a hotel have failed to progress. A new bid is under way, but in the economic climate the latest developer, Meteor Property Fund, believes its renovations will have to wait.
Meteor aims to introduce its own “credit crunch friendly” development, masterminded by Aberfeldy architects McKenzie Strickland Associates.
To fund the restoration, the firm believes it needs to build 71 additional estate properties on the grounds, constructed in phases. Cash from that, through sales and an annual service charge, would then support the full conversion of the castle into a luxurious hotel.
The development could provide work for around 230 people, with 20 local firms already having been approached. It is hoped that work could begin as early as June if Perth and Kinross Council gives its consent.
But the Architectural Heritage Society has written to the council and the architects in the hope of forcing a change of priorities.
It reads, “The aspect of these proposals that most concerns us is the programme, indicating the timeline envisaged for implementation of the scheme. We note that all works mentioned are ‘construction works’ show properties, restaurant, golf course.
“There is but passing mention of the renovation of the castle, together with beguiling artist’s impressions of the banqueting hall and drawing room.
“What concerns the society greatly is there is no mention of priority being given to the implementation of the necessary works being carried out to bring the castle into use as a hotel, the primary purpose of this entire enterprise.”