After being on the letting market for less than a week with Graham + Sibbald, a commercial property in a prime North Perthshire tourist area has received significant interest from a wide range of entrepreneurs and business operators.
The property, which used to be a visitor centre, lies approximately five miles north of Pitlochry and is close to the historic site of the 17th Century Battle of Killiecrankie. One of the reasons for the high level of interest is the fact that the site is a ‘must’ on the Highland Tourist Trail and in a normal year receives over 100,000 visitors.
The building has the potential for a wide range of uses, including as a café or shop, and there has been a lot of interest from operators looking for a second or complementary outlet to grow their businesses. There has also been interest from companies looking to set up a rural office.
This level of attention mirrors the recent strong demand in rural residential properties that the Graham + Sibbald team has seen in the area – this is thought to be due the Coronavirus pandemic which has boosted the appeal of country living.
The Killiecrankie property was put on the market by the National Trust for Scotland (N.T.S), which is looking at ways to refresh its presence in the area so that it can offer visitors more and better information about the battle and the local environment.
“We’ve re-thought the purpose of the visitor centre and we’re inviting entrepreneurs to take the opportunity to run a thriving business, potentially including a café, from it,” says Stuart Maxwell, The NTS’ General Manager (Edinburgh & East). “We’ll be ensuring that any business based in it will meet high standards and be sympathetic to the setting and history of the location.”
The NTS’ proposals have received a positive response from the local community, some of whom were concerned that the property would be knocked down. Alongside the re-development of the property, the NTS will be bringing forward new investment in bright, engaging, external interpretation and signage that will set out the historic events of 27 July 1689, as well as aiding visitors to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
Moving forward, the N.T.S. anticipate working closely with the new tenant to establish a suitable use. The Trust anticipates that the new tenants will work with them in a reciprocal arrangement to help promote the area and educate visitors on its history by, for example, displaying information and giving out leaflets.
The property is a detached single storey building with block harled walls and pitched and shingle clad roof. Internally, it offers a flexible space suitable for a variety of uses. Near to the building, there are outside seating areas and abundant (Pay and Display) car parking. Full details of the unit, which has a gross floor area of approximately 175 sq. m. (1,883 sq. ft.) and a Rateable Value of £10,500, can be obtained from Keith Scobbie, Partner at Graham + Sibbald. He can be contacted on 01738 445733.
