Hopes for community buy-out of Bridge Hotel, Helmsdale
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HELMSDALE and district residents are being urged to support an ambitious community initiative to breathe new life into a village centre hotel which closed down more than three years ago.
A group of residents have formed a six-strong steering committee to push forward the £1 million project to buy the Bridge Hotel and turn it into a “Highland health spa” with a swimming pool and other facilities.
However, community support is needed to take it to the next stage.
An open day has been organised at the hotel on Wednesday February 17, when local people can learn more about the initiative and discuss it with those involved.
A web site has also been set up where a brochure entitled “The Bridge Hotel – A Concept for the 21st Century” can be accessed.
Hard copies of the brochure have been distributed to local business people.
Steering group chairwoman, Lorna Smith, a retired retailer who ran Strathullie Crafts in the village for more than 40 years, said: “We are only in the very early stages, but we cannot go forward without community support as we will need funding from the Lottery and other sources.”
But she warned: “It will not happen if the Lottery does not back it.”
The 19-bedroom Bridge Hotel, which was built 200 years ago as a traveller’s inn, occupies a prime corner site on Dunrobin Street in the centre of the village and enjoys views over the Old Bridge and the River Helmsdale.
It is in the ownership of Christian Goss who bought it in 2000 and spent around £1 million refurbishing the listed building to serve as a hunting, shooting, and fishing hotel.
Facing competition from local sporting estates which link fishing and hunting with accommodation in sporting lodges, Mr Goss failed to make the business work.
He put the hotel on the market around three years ago and it is understood he is currently living in the United Arab Emirates where he runs a conservation programme for endangered wildlife.
There have be no takers and the asking price has tumbled from more than £1 million to around £375,000.
Mrs Smith said: “The hotel itself is beautiful and has been done up to a high standard. The interior is gorgeous. But it has been on the market for a long time and is deteriorating.”
According to the concept document, the steering group was formed after the latest price reduction last year.
It reads: “During the last few years there have been concerns that other uses might be found for the building, not all of them sensitive to its location, history and Helmsdale’s need.
“Matters were brought to a head in December when a staggering reduction in price was announced by the agents, making the building even more vulnerable.
“The steering group was formed with one simple task in mind – could the building be purchased and used for the good of the community, while at the same time running the venture on a profitable, business basis.”
The group claim the redevelopment would turn the hotel into the “first exclusive health spa” in Scotland, open to both residential and non-residential guests. Included in the plans are a glass-enclosed swimming pool, health and fitness suite with gym, sauna and jacuzzi, and a restaurant.
The concept document states: “The completed spa would be open all year round both to visitors and Helmsdale residents. It is also envisaged that the Grand Ballroom could be made available for wedding receptions, functions and possibly a cinema. Also available would be organised hill walking, cycling and many other outdoor pursuits, including golf and tennis.”
It is intended that the spa would be run by a working committee of Helmsdale residents.
Sutherland Lord Lieutenant Monica Main and East Sutherland and Edderton ward councillor Deirdre Mackay have been invited to attend the Open Day which runs from 10am to 3pm. Refreshments will be available.
* For further information, go to www.helmsdale-spa.com
