Crieff Hydro has announced plans for a development programme for the Strathearn area in a bid to create a major tourist hot-spot.

The 'Crieff Hydro East' project will be phased over a 20-year period and result in 125 construction jobs per annum during Phase 1, 65 construction jobs per annum during the remaining development period and up to 300 new hospitality jobs during the operations stage.

It is predicted that over £50m per year will be generated for the Scottish economy as a result of increased tourism.

An estimated 1,000,000 visitors a year to the area could be generated by the development.

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The application includes:

- a 100 bed care home

- a 100 unit assisted living accommodation

- 200 (approximately) holiday lodges

- up to 1000 sq m of retail/farm shop and café

- 2000 sq m of leisure facilities, including swimming pool and gymnasium.

Stephen Leckie, chief executive of Crieff Hydro, said: "We’re absolutely delighted to have arrived at such an important milestone in the planning process following an extensive 'Collaborate and Comment' consultation exercise to engage the local community and key stakeholders in developing these plans. Feedback from the Consultation process was extremely positive with 62% of respondents supporting the expansion of Crieff Hydro Estate and 68% supporting the long term expansion of Crieff as a tourist destination."

He added: "We will continue to engage locally throughout the planning process, giving the community and businesses an important role to play in developing their community as one of Scotland’s leading tourist destinations with a thriving economy, building an exciting future for all in the Strathearn area."

(IT)