Window delay is a 'real pane'

“It’s a 200-year-old building, which desperately needs modernising,” he said. “The chap from the council that came out to see it said the windows didn’t need to be replaced which is ridiculous. I have sent pictures to the council via my architect to show how bad they are and even after that they are now insisting that I cannot put two panes of glass in. What I don’t understand is why they won’t consider the carbon footprint of their position – and who is going to pay the heating bill?”

Mr Watson has been asked by the council to explain his reasons for each window replacement.

He said: “We had to justify the need to change every one of the windows but even then the council said we hadn’t given enough detail. I find it astonishing that they are doing everything to make this so difficult. The obstacles they put in the way make running a business in Argyll and Bute simply unsustainable, impacting jobs and the economy. I have found things so much easier in other places.”

When the Advertiser contacted Argyll and Bute Council about Mr Watson’s complaints a spokesperson said: “We have engaged with Mr Watson, and he is aware that we require further information before the council can reach a decision on whether or not to grant consent. We hope to receive that soon in order to progress the application to a conclusion.

“We want to see the hotel open and have been flexible in our approach to enable significant works to proceed. This includes permitting extensive demolition works and a replacement modern extension to refurbish the hotel and revised access arrangements. Cairnbaan Hotel is a category B listed building which is identified by Historic Environment Scotland in their designation to be of regional importance and protected by law.”

The modern extension referred to by the spokesperson will accommodate a glass-fronted restaurant which is expected to open at the end of this year.

“I’m toying with leaving the hotel and opening the restaurant, which we’re all really excited about,” said Mr Watson. 

“It will have a beautiful, really smart dining area and a bar with a beer garden out the back.

“It would be such a shame not to improve the hotel. We have had such amazing support from the local community, and I know everyone wants to see the hotel brought back to its former glory.”