The local community has failed in its bid to purchase Glencoe House from NHS Highland. The building, which had been used as a cottage hospital and old people’s home in recent years, had been the subject of an attempt by the local community to buy it under the provisions of the Land Reform Act. However it is understood that the group could not meet the £450,000 price tag and that NHS Highland will now put the former mansion on the open market.
The South Lochaber Community Group had planned to buy the house and convert it into a visitor attraction with cafe, although other locals had argued against the bid saying it was too expensive.
The listed building dates back to 1896 and was built by Lord Strathcona. The surrounding grounds which includes Glencoe Lochan were landscaped to remind his wife Isabella of her native Canada. NHS Highland closed the building in March last year and under the terms of the Land Reform Act, the group was given exclusive rights to bid on the property for six months. The deadline was later extended to a year but it is understood that now the group has been unable to raise the funding the Health Board has decided to place the building on the open market.
NHS Highland chief executive Dr Roger Gibbins said: “They will still be able to bid; the only change is they may face competition. We appreciate that the economic climate is unfavourable but we live in that climate too and we cannot justify holding on to this building any longer. The sale of this building will bring income into the NHS and will end the costs of continued ownership.”
For a glimpse of the splendour of the landscaped grounds you can walk around the Glencoe Lochan and take in great views of the spectacular Glencoe scenery.