Ryder Cup ‘14 plans under way

Oct 8 2010 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PLANS for a £2.5 million overhaul of a “tired-looking” Gleneagles club house in preparation for its hosting of the Ryder Cup have moved a step closer.

Only days after this year’s tournament finished, Perth and Kinross Council have been asked to agree to plans allowing a temporary building to be sited on ground south of the Dormy Club House, which was last refurbished 10 years ago.

It is proposed the portable buildings will be erected to cater for golfers during the renovation of the club house, which overlooks the 18th hole on both the King’s and Queen’s courses.

Alterations involving the creation of an improved main entrance, a “meet and greet” kiosk, a kitchen extension and the re-positioning of the Queen’s Course starter box were submitted in July.

A planning statement explains that the upgrades are “driven by the preparations for Ryder Cup 2014” and are to “further raise the quality of Gleneagles’ facilities”.

Documentation also describes the club house as “tired and ready for a complete refurbishment”, and claims that “its image needs to be brought up to date to match the interior of the hotel”.

The temporary portable buildings, measuring 320sqm, will house a small retail outlet, a restaurant with a separate kitchen unit and changing rooms for both male and females.

Works are due to start on October 18 and are scheduled for completion by mid-April.

The biennial Ryder Cup, which usually attracts around 100,000 golf fans, saw Europe edge out the USA on Monday at Celtic Manor in Wales.

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PLANS for a five-star holiday development on an agricultural site in rural Perthshire have been unveiled.

Six buildings at Slatich Farm, Glen Lyon, are earmarked for conversion into 12 holidays lodges, a studio flat for management, an office, playbarn and tennis courts – which will be accessible by both locals in the Aberfeldy area and holiday-makers.

The proposals, which were submitted to Perth and Kinross Council by architects the James Denholm Partnership on behalf of Glen Lyon Holdings, suggest that the build will also include potential use of reuseable energy, such as solar panels and hydro power.

Two units will be constructed within a farmhouse building at the entrance to the scheme, with a Dutch barn housing a further couple.

The luxury retreat will also offer two cottages, four dwellings in a timber barn and a further two units within the steadings, which will also accommodate the office and the manager’s one bedroom flat.

Described in official documentation as “a high quality five-star development”, the design of the proposed construction will be “semi-contemporary whilst retaining a traditional feel”.

The land, which measures 1.89 hectares in total and lies five miles west of Fortingall, is regarded by Scottish National Heritage as a national scenic area.