Murrayshall Country House Hotel and Golf Club is beginning a public consultation process ahead of the submission of a major planning application to expand and upgrade the facilities at the Perthshire-based venue.
If successful, the project will lead to the creation of hundreds of new jobs, provide a significant boost to tourism, and inject millions into the local economy.
Murrayshall was acquired by current owner Stellar Asset Management back in December 2016. Over the past four years, it has invested over £2.5 million into the property as part of the first phase of plans to elevate the standard of the historic country house and estate. This included all internal areas, bedrooms and suites, the introduction of an outdoor pursuits programme for guests, and significant improvements to the golf courses.
Murrayshall subsequently rose sharply up the Golf World Top 100 golf resorts in the UK & Ireland rankings to No.52, and also moved inside the top 50 in the equivalent Golf Monthly rankings.
Discussions have since developed from there between Stellar Asset Management and the local council, leading to this week’s formal announcement of the Phase 2 Estate Masterplan Strategy for a potential £15 million investment programme.
If approved, the project will see new public facilities including a spa and leisure facility, outdoor pursuits area, golf academy, indoor games room, premium glamping units and lodges, as well as upgraded staff accommodation. These developments would also double the hotel’s existing room capacity to encompass 80 rooms, suites and lodges.
Jonathan Gain, chief executive of Stellar Asset Management, commented: “We are pleased to be able to share our development plans with the local community and are confident that they will share our vision for this next stage of the evolution of Murrayshall. The improved facilities will not only benefit the existing members and hotel guests but will also provide hundreds of employment opportunities for local people, as well as a high-quality leisure facility to use, right on their doorstep; not to mention a much-needed boost to local tourism in these challenging times.
“Our plans will ensure that Murrayshall will soon have the facilities to match the high standards of our golf course and I have no doubt that it will become one of Scotland’s finest countryside leisure destinations.”
Fergus Purdie, the project’s lead consultant and principal of Perthshire-based firm Fergus Purdie Architects, said: “We are delighted to be part of such an exciting and significant project that will bring huge benefits across the board for Perth and Kinross. Our intention is to work with the local community, in a considered and informed approach throughout the consultation process.
Our intention is to create a sustainable and high-quality leisure destination that is truly for everyone, offering high-standard outcomes and integrating these new proposals within Murrayshall’s exceptional landscape setting.”
Vicki Unite, chief executive of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “It’s fantastic to see ambitious projects being proposed in Perthshire, particularly during this challenging time. The changes already implemented at Murrayshall demonstrate commitment, significant investment and have been hugely impressive. Future developments could be of huge benefit to the local community, with new job opportunities and the injection of millions of pounds of extra spend.”
David Longmuir, Manager, The PGA in Scotland, said: “I have long regarded Murrayshall as a hidden gem with its stunning countryside setting in the heart of Scotland. The significant works that have already been undertaken have seen the profile of the property rightfully elevated and I’m now buoyed to see plans to take this to a whole new level with a brand-new golf academy, improved practice facilities and a tremendous asset for the region.”
Public consultation information is due to go live on December 11, with presentation boards available to view at the hotel and online.