Plans to redevelop the Kingussie Courthouse Building have taken a step forward after planning permission, subject to conditions, was approved by the Cairngorms National Park Authority's (CNPA) Planning Committee.

The Highland Council welcomed the news and has said that, once completed, the development will house new Council offices, Kingussie Service Point and a Police Scotland office. Elsewhere, elements to convert and extend the category B-listed property will be determined for Listed building consent by Historic Scotland.


Councillor Liz MacDonald, Leader of Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee, said: "This is excellent news for The Highland Council and our partners in securing planning permission for this key re-development in the centre of Kingussie. Not only will the development provide a strong locus for the community but the co-location agreement between the Council and the Police will result in savings to the Council's customer services annual running costs."

Councillor Dave Fallows, Highland Council Ward Member for Badenoch and Strathspey, added: "This is a great boost for Kingussie – we are looking forward to the revitalisation of the Council's Office and the new partnership arrangement with Police Scotland which will make life easier for locals wanting to access the Council and Police.

"Bringing this iconic Kingussie building back into use is an important plank in the efforts being made not just by the Council, but by the community too, to regenerate the economic life of the town. I look forward to completion and the improvements that will result."

(JP/IT)