5-Star Consolidation on Loch Tay
Consistent with the progressive development of the Taymouth Holiday Centre over the past 15 years, a latest proposal submitted for P&K Council planning approval is hallmarked by two principles - quality and sustainability .*
This protracted farm diversification programme has, from the outset, focussed upon the upper end of the visitor market, and is characterised by its 5-star self-catering units being regularly fully booked. The market has clearly indicated a buoyant demand for the proposed facilities, even without Hotels International's 7-star ambitions at the adjacent Taymouth castle.
The vision and energy of the Menzies family over the past two generations has been vindicated by local authority approval of its steady move from an agricultural production unit to a thriving vacation resort. This now provides a range of holiday accommodations, along with catering and retail services and a busy nine hole golf course. |
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Currently under construction at the complex are retail units and a 120 cover restaurant/bistro, together occupying 700sq mtrs.
Housing Key
This latest application intends the erection of 13 residential dwellings in a 'mews' formation, discreetly located and designed in keeping with the architectural character of that part of Kenmore village.
This development provides the key to enable a further extension of the 5-Star leisure facilities with the addition of
* nine further holes to the present golf course,
* clubhouse replacement and improvements, with car parking for 155 vehicles,
* the rationalisation of the existing 100 van caravan site,
* the introduction of a 12m swimming pool,
* extensive landscaping works; and
* the construction of a further courtyard of top-grade holiday lettings plus, 8 houses
for timeshare occupation.
Employment
Including the engagement of members of the extended family in the Taymouth Holiday Centre enterprise, its operations currently deploy 11 full time, 5 part time and 10 seasonal jobs.
Besides underwriting this existing employment, the phased proposals offer extended job creation on resort. In addition, in view of the very limited opportunities that exist for workers to secure a housing foothold in the locality, the plans include provision for accommodation for such staff on site.
Further, through expanding the number of resident and visitor consumers with high levels of disposable income, these proposals are entirely complementary to the interests of the Kenmore Hotel, The Kenmore Club, The Scottish Crannog Centre, The Historic Steamship Company's loch sailings project and the existing retailing and other services in the community.
Not only are these developments intended to add high value to both the 'stock' and the attraction of Highland Perthshire, their aim is also to help underwrite the continuation of all the various employments attached thereto.
Retail & Catering Development Progress
The Courtyard at Mains of Taymouth - a new shopping and dining experience in Kenmore - is now nearing its June completion date. The impressive structure was designed by locally well-known architect Michael Gray and built to a very high standard by Blairish Restorations. The interior is spacious and aesthetically furnished and offers superb views of the hills and loch. The complex will be known as 'The Courtyard'.
To make way for the new development the former shop, in situ since the early 1960s, was demolished. Robin Menzies told Comment: "My sister Julie, of Highland Adventure Safaris, and I both witnessed its demise with a tear in the eye. We were glad that our parents were on holiday at the time as the shop was almost their second home during the summer months for over 30 years."
Robin and Irena Menzies, and Robin's parents Duncan and Diana, are delighted to introduce Jake and Kim Schamrel who will be running the new bar, Bistro and restaurant as a replacement of the existing Byre Bistro. The couple is well known for the restaurant at Farleyer. A contemporary style bistro with quality dining in a relaxed atmosphere will be offered with a choice of menu options.
The Courtyard also features three retail units designed to be a shopping experience as part of a day out in the area. "We are also delighted to introduce Henry and Marion Murdoch and Colin and Elaine Burns who have decided to take on all three shops," reported Robin. "As business partners and long-time friends, Colin and Elaine Burns along with Henry and Marion Murdoch aim to offer a retail experience that will have customers coming back repeatedly."
The shops will provide a combination of furnishing and fashion accessories, along with a food outlet which will be geared around a blend of home-grown products as well as those sourced from further a field . The aim is to create an environment where gift shopping, or looking for those special ingredients, will leave a lasting impression.
Robin and Irena are confident that they have a great partnership of personalities to run the Courtyard that will complement the available facilities and accommodation both at the Mains of Taymouth itself and within Highland Perthshire. "We see the basis of our success lying in attracting as many local customers as we do tourists," stressed Robin
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