Attendees

David O’Donoghue Taymouth Castle

Mairi McAdam Taymouth Castle

Elizabeth Knox Taymouth Castle

Jennifer Robertson Glenlyon & Loch Tay CC

Sue Dolan-Betney Glenlyon & Loch Tay CC

Charlie Grant Killin CC

Lorraine Reed Aberfeldy CC

Roddy Kennedy Dull & Weem CC

Graham Huggins Mid Atholl CC

Peter Ely Kenmore CC

Andy Aitken Killin CC

Apologies

Colin Morton (Kenmore CC), June Riddell (Glenlyon & Loch Tay CC), Val Ferguson (Aberfeldy CC)

Agenda & Minutes

Meeting commenced 1835. Welcome.

1. Communications

a) Taymouth Castle Estate (TCE) continue to meet on a monthly basis with Kenmore & District Community Council, meeting minutes are published online https://www.kenmore-and-district-cc.org.uk/taymouth-castle-update last meeting 4th March 2025.

b) Quarterly Newsletters continue to be posted to over 3600 households across all the community councils areas; with the Winter 2024 edition sent in early December, and the Spring 2025 edition being delivered soon, on the 24th March.

c) TCE attend meetings of the Loch Tay Association, Reading Rooms and seek to engage with Kenmore Sports Association, in upcoming Kenmore Highland Games arrangements.

d) TCE are part of a newly forming ‘Brand Kenmore’ group, with many other local businesses looking to support collaborative initiatives to promote Kenmore as a place to visit, enjoy and improve. Similarly, TCE are keen to support similar initiatives in Aberfeldy, with Aberfeldy Small Business Association, Aberfeldy Information Centre and any re-formed Visit Aberfeldy group.

e) The www.welcometotaymouth website is kept up to date with new frequently asked questions and blogs with current news, links to fishing permits and estate path information.

f) Recent press articles have included those in the New York Times, Scotsman and Courier.

g) Elected member contact - David is meeting with Councillor John Duff next week.

2. Community Engagement:

a) TCE supported a well-attended Kenmore Primary School fundraising Burns Supper in early February, preparing a traditional meal for over 100 attendees.

b) TCE is donating a table tennis table to Kenmore Primary School and the ‘Careers in the Castle’ recently involved a visit from the outdoor pursuits department to talk about the opportunities of working outdoors and in adventure based sports; alongside a wildlife workshop.c) TCE continues to support a variety of projects in the Reading Rooms – including the sourcing of knotted/stugged pine columns to replace those that are rotting, the Warm Welcome sessions and a new history display – which details the opening of the Reading Rooms in 1885, Wartime reading rooms, the Loch Tay Steam Boat Company, the Old Village of Lawers and the history of the Kenmore Post Office, shop and school.

d) TCE have completed building a large vegetable and herb planter behind the Aberfeldy Town Hall, for the Friday dementia support club; for the group to plant, grow and then cook the produce.

e) Seasonal support included the Aberfeldy Christmas Market, Christmas in Kenmore and Aberfeldy Hogmanay; it was great to see so many locals and visitors enjoying these events.

f) TCE’s golf team have provided taster sessions in Breadalbane Academy, as part of the PE curriculum and are supporting Aberfeldy Golf Clubs festival of golf on 8th April.

g) Recent support across local grassroots, educational and traditional projects and events has included the Highland Ball, Young Farmers 60th anniversary, Battlefields Trip – Breadalbane Academy, restoration talk with Ardeonaig & Ardtalnaig WI, Aberfeldy Film Festival, Killin Film Group and Breadalbane Cricket Club.

3. Local suppliers & Community Links

a) TCE have developed an evolving connection with the Scottish Crannog Centre; in the ongoing provision of materials, a kitchen take-over event and traditional Hazel coppicing on the estate, to support the Crannog’s greenwood apprenticeship programme and provide hazel for building and weaving.

b) TCE utilise local suppliers where possible, and are thankful to those in the close community, including Coach House Flowers, Beyond Adventures, Ilaria Botanicals, EMB Graphics, Highland Outfitters and The Workshop.

4. Kenmore Village Update:

a) Beach – new bins have been installed, an AED fitted by the public toilets, car park bollards renovated and parking ticket machine removed.

b) Some memorial benches in need of repair, will be renovated or replaced and a ramp to enable easier access to the beach and a disabled parking bay will be installed shortly.

c) Dead and decaying trees adjacent to the public toilets (near to the power lines) will be removed on 21st March, when there is a planned SSEN power outage. A small section of the A827 will be down to one lane, and there will be short diversions on the paths for a few days near the public toilet, to ensure walkers safety.

d) Beaver damage has resulted in several trees falling along the lower Gallops walking path, these are being cleared.

e) The renovation works required for both the Kenmore Hotel and Taymouth Trading are significant, and this has resulted in a delay to planned reopening.

5. Current Works – Castle Estate

a) Deer Park bridge restoration is nearing completion, with additional railings to be added.

b) Construction of the golf comfort stations are underway

c) The Dairy is undergoing initial external and envelope works

d) The Middle road is soon to be completed following utility and infrastructure works

e) A temporary security cabin is to be installed at the East Gate following planning consent

6. Planning Updates

Planning Approvals

a) Golf Starter Hut – this was approved earlier in the Autum and works have commenced

b) Golf Clubhouse, Dairy – envelope works to commence before end 2025

c) Pump House- works underway

d) Building of first house will commence later in Spring.Pre-Application Notice and Public Exhibitions - For the change of 77 hotel units into residential, to enable the ability to flip those units into either temporary employee accommodation or for resort rooms.

Current Planning Submissions

a) No update on Golf Maintenance Facility, Staff Operations Village at Newhall, Borrow Pit at

Inchadney.

b) Access roads – around the Dairy area

c) Housing Zones

Pre-planning

a) Moness Resort – awaiting initial feedback from PKC before full planning application submitted.

7. Golf Course

a) All seeding is complete

b) Golf course contractors have finished

8. Glenlyon

a) Deer, all reported through Breadalbane Deer Management group

b) Farmed deer sold to supermarkets

c) 160% sheep expected with lambing starting soon

d) Rare breeds linking to TCE culinary programme, include Mangalitza pork, Beef – Highland, Low lines and Belted Galloways

e) Woodland regeneration tree planting proposed and awaiting approval

9. Paths

a) Safety works to the Fort (located opposite Fort Lodge on A827) commenced 10th March for 1 week, to remove a tree from the East turret. Walking path remains open. Plans to remove some fences and to install interpretation boards and benches along accessible paths, when safe to do so, are being considered by PKC.

Discussion topics & Questions

Q: A: Andy Aitken asked if recent media had been positive? 

A: D O’Donoghue said that on the whole it was more positive than previously. Peter Ely commented that the Courier, at least, started with the positive impacts and coverage seemed more balanced.

Q: A: Roddy Kennedy asked if the Golf Course remains true to James Braid’s original design? 

A: D O’Donoghue confirmed that the new design honours James Braid’s signature features and design, with architecture and heritage that include Braid’s principles, however with new technology and drainage systems incorporated.

Q:  Charlie Grant asked if the golf course is likely to host large competitions? 

A: D O’Donoghue reaffirmed that the golf course is for members and their guests only, and although accreditations are sought from the highest standards, it does not have enough infrastructure to host any large scale events.

Q: Sue Dolan-Betney asked if we could look into the fence that had been gratefully reinstated along Duneaves Road (Fortingall end), as it unfortunately has reduced car passing space.

A: D O’Donoghue said that he would look into this and report back to Glenlyon & Loch Tay CC.

Q: Sue Dolan-Betney asked if we would be reinstating the bridge (that had been removed in 2024 as it was unsafe) over the Fortingall burn, and if the styles can be improved.

A: D O’Donoghue said that replacement had been considered, but as walkers can access the same path by walking 100yards along the road via the gate into the field, it was not something that would be replaced.

Q: Andy Aitken enquired to the detail of the Moness planning application.

A: D O’Donoghue replied that the application is for 77 of the 107 hotel units to become residential is to enable dual use for both temporary employee housing or holiday accommodation. With the under occupancy of Moness resulting in many empty units; this step will ensure that there is less impact on the stretched local housing availability, all-year round occupancy; and it is thought to bring all -year round spend and custom in Aberfeldy; whilst retaining visitors. Alongside the dual purpose of the hotel units, investments are being made to improve the offering at Moness Resort for visitors, locals and our employees to benefit from; with a new Spa set to open shortly.

Q: Roddy Kennedy asked how the staff recruitment is going, with around 160 in November previously mentioned.

A: D O’Donoghue outlined that staff numbers have now increased to around 200; with approx. 40% local (Aberfeldy, Pitlochry and Crieff); with current live opportunities including housekeeping, green keeping, golf, food & beverage, kitchen porters and attendants 

Q: Roddy Kennedy asked if there was significant damage caused by Beavers, do we intend to contact Nature Scot to trap and relocate them?

A: D O’Donoghue indicated that we understand we would not have grounds to apply for such an intervention and that our actions have been to prevent further damage (wrapping wire around trees) and protective, to ensure that any construction does not impact their habitats.

Q: Lorraine Reed asked if there will be an allocation of Moness units for local residents or businesses?

A: D O’Donoghue answered, that as the units are suited to temporary use only – as holiday accommodation or short term, temporary employment ‘soft landing’ housing, there is no intention to have tenancy agreements or offer these to local businesses.

Q: Roddy Kennedy asked if reinstating the wall along the A827 is on ‘our list’?

A: D O’Donoghue confirmed that it is and although a long term project, we are hoping to start it soon in tandem with tree management along the inside of the wall.

Q: Peter Ely asked about reducing the gradient of the road into the small car park at the Gallops; and about the Holy Well, which has become flooded due to beaver activity.

A: D O’Donoghue said that he would look into this, and report back to the KCC liaison group.

There followed a general discussion regarding the state of the A827; and about affordable housing shortages as a widespread issue (neither of which were implied a TCE responsibility); however in summary the group noted that the PKC measures on the capacity of the A827 potentially needs re-evaluated and that the impact of Holiday lets in areas of natural beauty has been exacerbated by platforms/vehicles such as Airbnb.

David affirmed TCE’s position to be part of these discussions, and to do what it could to support the CC’s.

Lorraine Reed commented that it has been pleasing to see Moness Resort’s restaurant and staff praised on social media; and that discounts for locals have been promoted too.

The meeting ended at 1935pm.

Attendees

David O’Donoghue Taymouth Castle

Mairi McAdam Taymouth Castle

Victor Clements Aberfeldy CC

Val Ferguson Aberfeldy CC

Apologies

Colin Morton (Kenmore CC), Lorraine Reed (Aberfeldy CC), June Riddell and Sue Dolan-Betney (Glenlyon & Loch Tay

CC), Charlie Grant (Killin CC), Andy Aitken (Killin CC) and Peter Ely (Kenmore CC).

Agenda & Minutes

D O’Donoghue firstly provided an overview of key factors from the year 2023-2024:

Restoration progress has included completion of the main castle and west wing, 12 seeded holes on the golf course
with progress on track to complete construction by December. Completion of the East Gate, Urn and Deer Park
Bridge – with renovation of the Dairy as Golf Clubhouse in the next phase. Revitalization of Kenmore Public Toilets
and Kenmore Shop is complete. Staffing has increased from around 80 to 150 full time staff; with a further 60 that
are part of the team, based at Moness Resort. Community engagement continues, with involvement and links to
schools, charities and local organisations; as well as staff becoming part of the community- clubs, volunteering,
socializing and as customers. The estate continues to work closely with PKC and all regulatory bodies as well as
taking local advice on wildlfife and the environment.

1. Open House and Community Open Day

a) Local community councils, businesses, organisations, connections and family history links; 80
attendees on Fri 11th Oct.

b) 450 local residents attended Open Day – Sat 12th Oct.

c) Tickets went very quickly, and the team created a waiting list as we hope to host another event.
Feedback was very positive. Everyone was delighted to meet the contractors who undertook the
restoration works, and to experience the craftsmanship for themselves. The only notable downside
was being running out of Kenmore Bakery’s wonderful cakes!

d) Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance fundraising – raised £1700 on day, which Taymouth Castle
matched with a £2000 donation.

2. Communication/engagement:

a) Continue to meet members of Kenmore community council on a monthly basis.

b) Newsletter – Autumn Edition was sent out late September; Winter edition will be posted for 1st
week December.

c) Regular attendance at: KCC meetings, Loch Tay Association, Reading Rooms and Christmas Planning.

d) David met with the First Minister John Swinney late in September to provide an update on
developments and planning.e) A summary of planning enquiries was published by the First Minister containing PKC planning response.

f) Taymouth Castle’s restoration has recently featured in the Courier, Scotsman and Scottish Field.

3. Community outreach & support provided by Taymouth Castle was summarised by David:

a) Kenmore Primary School – a termly opportunity to inspire pupils with a ‘careers at the castle’
workshop takes place, last month focused on construction and security.

b) Reading Rooms – support has been provided for history leaflets & has been agreed for the next
Warm Welcome programme from January 2025

c) Killin Primary School – 3 ‘trug’ planters were made by the maintenance team and are now installed

d) A fun golf teaching programme will commence in primary schools in early 2025, delivered by our
coaches.

e) Dementia Garden, Aberfeldy Town Hall – a long wall planter is being made and a trellis was installed

f) Donating items as requested by the Food bank linked Christmas Hamper for 20 families locally

g) Donation of Christmas Trees with charitable donation to Mountain Rescue to local care homes &
nurseries, schools

h) Participation in local Community Action planning (Moness Resort, Taymouth)

4. Upcoming Event Support

a) Aberfeldy Christmas Markets

b) Christmas in Kenmore

c) Fortingall Hall Fundraiser

d) Highland Ball

e) Young Farmers Dance

f) Aberfeldy Hogmanay

g) Killin Film Project

5. Kenmore Village Update:

a) Beach – erosion works are being undertaken early next year, new bins being installed later in
November, memorial benches in poor condition to be replaced and an AED to be installed in place
of the parking meter (out of use)

b) Improvement plans for the Core Path are underway with tree management, installation of benches
and interpretation boards in first quarter 2025

c) Upcoming Tree Works by SSEN are with accompanying power outage effecting toilets and pavilion
10.11.24

d) The Kenmore Phone box will be restored to its former glory and be fit for a new purpose (Kenmore
Community Council).

e) A full survey of the church, to assess its condition is being carried out mid-November.

6. Planning Update

Planning Approvals

a) Golf Starter Hut – this was approved earlier in the Autum and works have commenced

b) Golf Clubhouse, Dairy – envelope works to commence before end 2025

c) Pump House- works underway

Current Planning Submissions

a) Golf Maintenance Facility – this was resubmitted mid-October following public consultation and
awaits PKC feedback.

b) Newhall ‘Operation Village’ – this will be resubmitted soon and has taken into consideration
feedback following public consultation in 2023.

c) Housing Zones – these are currently being considered and are undergoing statutory surveys and
assessments.Pre-planning

a) Moness Resort – awaiting initial feedback from PKC before full planning application submitted.

7. Infrastructure and sand

a) Sand to complete the majority of works on the golf course has been obtained locally from the
borrow pit at Inchadney; however, construction of remaining holes requires additional sand haulage
from Alloa, constituting 25 trucks per day for 1 month from tomorrow; avoiding busy hours. Route
is A9 then A827.

b) Cabling works complete South riverside path have been completed.

c) HV cable works into Newhall woods have been completed.

d) The new West Access has been completed.

8. Discussion topics & Questions

Q: Victor asked to have a detailed list of planning applications relating to flood prevention.

A: D O’Donoghue indicated that he would send this; and highlighted that all flood prevention on the Estate is
being built above the riverbank level, designed by specialist engineers; Taymouth castles original flood
defences were built in the 1800s and remain in place.

Q: Val asked if disabled access to Kenmore beach could be given some consideration?

A: D O’Donoghue indicated that the team would look into this.

Q: Victor asked about the trees awaiting management at Moness Resort.

A: D O’Donoghue confirmed that the felling license has recently been processed and a schedule of works is
expected shortly – this will be forwarded to Aberfeldy CC.

Q: Victor asked if there was a time scale on the Moness change of use planning application.

D: D O’Donoghue said that he will let Aberfeldy CC know and that the process is anticipated to require a public
consultation phase.

There was highly positive feedback provided from all Community Councillors who attended the open house on 11th October. Feedback from the Aberfeldy & Dull & Weem community action plan consultation was shared, with the priority areas identified as the need for affordable housing and improvements in public transport.

 

Quarterly Community Council Forum Meeting, 30/04/2024

Atendees

David O’Donoghue Taymouth Castle

Mairi McAdam Taymouth Castle

Val Henderson Aberfeldy CC

Lorraine Reed Aberfeldy CC

Sue Dolan-Betney Glenlyon & Loch Tay CC

Roddy Kennedy Dull & Weem CC

Colin Morton Kenmore CC

Graham Huggins Mid Atholl CC

Charlie Grant Killin CC

Apologies

Andy Aitken (Killin CC), Anna Brocklehurst (Dull &Weem CC), Peter Ely & Shirley Shearer (Kenmore CC)

Agenda & Minutes

Meeng commenced at 1835. D O’Donoghue provided an update on the following:

1. Communicaon/engagement:

a. Newsleter – reach extended to cover all 6 community council areas

b. FAQs have been updated on the website

c. Community Pledge has also been updated on website

d. Economic Impact Assessment will be shared later this week; a link to the whole document,

compiled by a 3rd part independent consultancy will be shared

e. Career Fairs in Perth and Dundee were atended by the Taymouth Castle team recently as

part of a recruitment drive. A variety of roles are available and individuals are encouraged

to forward their CVs to the recruitment portal

htps://careers.taymouthcastleclub.com/jobs.aspx

 

2. Community outreach & support:

a. Easter Family Cra & Treasure Hunt 31st march was supported by the Taymouth Castle

team

b. Supporng the Crannog with mber, turf and stones in preparaon for their opening on

1st April.

c. Supported Kenmore Pupils to take part in a Kenmore postcard compeon.d. Supporng a local history tour incorporang The Fort, Kenmore, Old Village of Lawers and

Castle Menzies to highlight the importance of Queen Victoria’s visit, Duleep Singh and the

old Lady of Lawers – this will take place on 8th and 9th May for all S2 pupils at Breadalbane.

e. Looking forward to again supporng local Highland Games events and the Triathlon &

Mul Sport weekend.

 

3. Kenmore Village Update:

a. The Shop frontage works and re fit of interior are underway; with shop proprietor

announcement soon and local residents input meeng 9th May; shop expected to open 1st

week June.

b. Hanging baskets to be in place in and around Kenmore

c. Tree works connue in and around the estate to manage dead, decaying and dangerous

trees which have been neglected for many years.

 

4. Health & Safety:

a. The public toilets near compleon, awaing signage and installaon of hand dryers. The

toilets will be cleaned twice daily; kissing gate is being made and a temporary wooden

fence is in place for safety. Opening 6 May.

b. A defibrillator will be installed by the beach carpark (ulizing power to where the car park

cket machine was)

c. Beach Erosion repair works are planned, along the beach and around the paper boat.

 

5. Roads:

a. The West Access is now the main entrance for all castle staff, contractors and deliveries

with the wall nearing compleon on the A827.

b. Sand trucks from Inchadney farmed sand site connue to deliver, with plans to reinstate

the Inchadney site will infill as per PKC planning requirements.

 

6. Taymouth Castle & Glenlyon Estate Planning update:

a. Current planning submissions include a number of temporary buildings

b. Plans for the Golf Maintenance Facility were withdrawn and are to be re-submited

following consideraon and incorporaon of feedback received in 3-4 weeks

c. Works to renovate the fishing hut by Peters Pool have completed and several other

projects are on hold at Glenlyon currently while Castle compleon works take priority.

 

7. Environmental update:

a. As members of the Loch Tay Associaon, members of the Taymouth castle team have been

involved with the creaon of an updated Code of Conduct and are fully supporve of the

group

b. 6 fishing permits have been sold this month with 4 being visitors and 2 locals

c. Taymouth castle are working closely with the Scosh Invasive Species Iniave (part of

Nature Scot) to manage invasive species – Mink and Japanese Knotweed, which have both

been idenfied as prevalent on the Estate.

d. Trees on Glenlyon – a significant re-wilding and planng programme is in progress with

67,000 planted and another 100,000 to go in; these trees will not be for commercial

purposes. 150 heritage fruit trees will also be planted later this year.

 

8. Preservaon update:

a. We are working closely with local experts to inform us on key informaon – including

Tommy Pringle, and the Aberfeldy Museum group.

b. We are planning to work with the Dunkeld Archive team to create a Living Archive which

will be shared with the local community and gied to the Reading Rooms.

c. The Castle featured in the Scosh Stained Glass Society talks – the Barons Hall painted

glass commissioned in 1815 being the topic of the arsans work and thesis.d. The stained glass and decoraon restoraon works will feature as a topic in the

Breadalbane Heritage Society talks later this year.

 

9. Moness update:

a. The Moness Resort team were TUPE’d over in early April

b. Renovaons are planned.

c. Planning permission seeking to change use of some units is yet to be submited. Pre

warning of the details will be provided.

 

10. Other aspects

a. Core Paths – signage is being developed to add informaon boards with historical and

wildlife insights. Water staons and benches are also looking to be added.

b. Alcohol license for Taymouth Castle – public consultaon phase complete with no

comments received.

 

Discussion topics & Quesons

Q: Roddy Kennedy asked about the infill of Inchadney and what is planned?

A: Sand is currently being farmed in Inchadney unl around July. Return trips are being used for

replacement materials to reinstate the borrow pits but only as soil is made available. Thereaer,

Inchadney will be reinstated as per PKC condions of planning.

 

Q: Roddy Kennedy asked about any update on Newhall back of house?

A: David O’Donoghue indicated that there is no update at the moment, however when plans are

ready to be re-submited we will fully engage the community in those details.

 

Q: Charlie Grant asked about any further acvity from Protect Loch Tay.

A: David O’Donoghue said that there was a recent organised ramble of 28 people on Sunday 21st

April, who walked to the Fort and back from Kenmore.

 

Q: Val Henderson asked if there would be potenal opportunies for apprenceships and is there

any transport provided from Aberfeldy?

A: David O’Dononghue confirmed that yes, although different departments are at different stages of

growth, there will be apprenceships and all sorts of other opportunies. There will be a shutle

running from Moness and potenally from Aberfeldy.

 

Q: Lorraine Reed asked about the potenal of opening up some rural experiences at Glenlyon up

to the community?

A: David O’Donoghue confirmed that there may be an opportunity for links to teaching and skill-

based learning; and that both the Castle and Glenlyon Estates will be looking for ways in which to

engage further with the community on work experience and school careers programmes.

 

Q: Sue Dolan-Betney asked about the possibility of developing species rich grassland areas,

speaking to Perth & Kinross countryside Trust David Tollick?

A: David O’Donoghue said that this can be explored and he will suggest it to the Glenlyon team.

 

Q: Lorraine Reed asked about Moness and numbers of visitors staying there.A: David O’Donoghue commented that use of Moness over Easter and Hogmanay was a full capacity

with visitors, and then have seen an increase in general hotel use. With the reducon of cedar

club users, this will further increase visitors and their room to accommodate some Taymouth

Castle staff and contractors in off-peak mes to maintain occupancy.

 

Q: Charlie Grant suggested a collaborave approach on improvements required to the Kenmore to

Killin road.

 

A: Colin Morton agreed and that it would be worthwhile creating a collective working group – and

add to the Kenmore CC’s Road subcommitee. The discussion then extended to wider

infrastructure – broadband, transport; and that these challenges are not helping tourism thrive.

 

Q: Roddy Kennedy asked if the boundary wall will be restored?

A: David O’Donoghue confirmed that it will be all around the estate on the Castle side.

The meeng ended at 1920pm.