On 16th March 2022, a devastating fire and major explosion seriously damaged the historic and C-listed Braemar Lodge Hotel in Braemar. This incident was not only a loss for the Braemar Community - the building held significant historical value as well as providing vital tourist accommodation and a seventy-cover restaurant - but for those seeking accommodation or a place to eat in this very popular tourist destination in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. To add insult to injury, by July 2022, the building was demolished without obtaining Listed, Conservation or Planning consent from relevant authorities.

This petition is for the current owners of the site - BRAIGH MHARR LIMITED - to be compelled to rebuild the building in full, stone by stone; for the local council - Aberdeenshire Council - to take action against BRAIGH MHARR LIMITED for their breaches of planning legislation and for Historic Environment Scotland to take appropriate action against BRAIGH MHARR LIMITED for destroying a listed building without consent and to insist on it being rebuilt as was (clearly as the original granite has gone, the stones will be new)

Retrospective planning applications were submitted almost a year after the fire and over six months after this un-consented demolition took place. As of now, planning has still not been resolved on this site.

The hotel served as more than just an accommodation facility; it was an integral part of our community's fabric with its restaurant serving both locals and visitors alike. The abrupt removal of such an establishment has left a void that we believe can only be filled by rebuilding the hotel as it once stood.

We ask Historic Environment Scotland to insist the hotel is rebuilt in its original form with the restaurant re-instated so it can serve our community once again.

We urge Aberdeenshire Council to expedite their decision-making process regarding these retrospective planning applications and insist on reconstruction plans that respect the original architecture of the Braemar Lodge Hotel. 

This Petition requests:

·      That Hugh Hall, Chair and Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland demand the hotel is reconstructed as was.

·      That Aberdeenshire Council carry out the strongest possible enforcement of the breaches of planning legislation, and to seek any injunction necessary to prevent any further development of and/or damage to the site until such a time as a legal mechanism can be found to compel the owners to restore the building to its condition at the time of purchase.

·      That Alexander Burnett MSP and Andrew Bowie MP as our elected Parliamentarian support Aberdeenshire Council and Historic Environment Scotland to achieve these aims.

·      And that the owners, Braigh Marr Limited, understand our concerns over both their handling of the situation and most importantly, the future of the site and rebuilds the historic Braemar Lodge Hotel exactly as it was before the unfortunate incident.