Kathryn Anderson

Strathmore Hotels, owner of Perth’s historic Salutation Hotel and seven other properties in Scotland and northern England, has entered administration after sustained creditor pressure and financial difficulties. Interpath administrators Alistair McAlinden and James Dewar said all eight hotels would continue trading while options are reviewed, with about 410 employees retained. John Swinney and local councillors expressed concern for staff, suppliers and the hotel’s future, while calling for a sustainable solution or new operator to protect jobs and preserve the Salutation’s role in Perth.

UHI Perth and the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association have urged Stagecoach to postpone the withdrawal of the X56 route between Perth and Edinburgh and proposed changes to the 15 and 15A services. Students and parents fear the changes will make it difficult to attend classes, retain part-time jobs or continue their studies. Stagecoach says the X56 has incurred substantial long-term losses and that there is no commercially viable way to retain it, suggesting a publicly funded replacement if local authorities consider the link socially necessary. Perth and Kinross Council is exploring options, while MSP Jim Fairlie and MP Pete Wishart have called for consultation and a pause to the changes.

Perth shopkeeper Victoria Ritchie’s petition for two hours of free city-centre parking has gained around 900 signatures, with Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser arguing that the measure would help independent retailers compete with free-parking retail parks. Perth and Kinross Council says it is already investing in the city centre, has reduced some parking charges and offers 15 minutes free, while a broader review of parking charges and arrangements is due to report to a council committee.

The Scottish Crannog Centre has completed and opened a rebuilt Iron Age crannog on Loch Tay, five years after the original structure was destroyed by fire. The first £6 million phase also delivered a visitor centre, museum, café, car park, Iron Age village, play park and sensory garden. A second, larger phase involving two additional crannogs, a state-of-the-art museum, traditional-skills centre and possible social housing remains dependent on further fundraising. The new attraction is expected to draw more visitors to Highland Perthshire and support local businesses.