The Council acknowledges community concerns regarding the road closure at Dunselma, resulting from action required to secure public safety from an unsafe building. Resolving this situation and re-opening the road depends on action by various parties.
We are working to do all that we as a council can do, and provide information here on steps we are taking, as well as on the limitations on our authority, and the support we can offer to both the property owner and the community.
The background
- Public safety is the priority driving actions being taken. We received a complaint from a concerned member of the public about the state of Dunselma coach house and so arranged for an assessment of the building by a third-party structural engineer who deemed the building to be in danger of an uncontrolled collapse. A Dangerous Building Notice was served on the building’s owner. The area around the property had to be fenced off to prevent unauthorised access and to keep individuals away from a building whose condition posed a danger to them.
- Under the Buildings (Scotland) Act 2003, the Council is not legally responsible for repairs or demolition. These duties lie with the property owner. As it stands, the property owner has complied with the Dangerous Building Notice by isolating the property.
- We sympathise with the access issues and are engaging with relevant stakeholders to explore solutions to the access challenges.
The current situation
A meeting on 3 October 2025 included the property owner, council officers, local councillors, and representatives from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, which is the planning authority for the area. Key points:
- The owner of the property has acted responsibly by securing the site and has complied with the Dangerous Buildings Notice. The Council can only take further action in default of the Notice, which is not the case in this matter.
- The owner has intimated that the building will be renovated and brought back to its former condition as soon as possible. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Parks Authority, who wish this C-listed building renovated and not demolished, will provide support.
- The owner advises that the unadopted roadway is a private road. Issues relating to access are a legal matter between relevant parties, such as the golf course and the property owner.
- There is an alternative road on the other side of Dunselma, at the High Road heading towards Blairmore, which is passable with care.
- Emergency services have been advised of the situation and have contingency plans should they be expected to attend in an emergency.
- An alternative route through the former Strone Primary School and adjacent woodland was agreed with the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Parks Authority, which addresses rights of way access for pedestrians.
Moving forward
While our legal powers are limited, we are committed to supporting the community through the following actions:
- We are already engaging constructively with the golf club and other stakeholders to offer advice about improvements to the Blairmore road.
- An access route for pedestrians is in place, and the National Parks Authority is to provide signposting and consider what improvements can be provided.
- We will continue to collaborate with the owner and National Parks Authority on the future of the building.
- Other agencies and parties are involved and it’s important that everyone plays a part in identifying and securing a longer-term solution.
For clarity, responsibilities lie with:
- Renovation/repairs to the property : the property owner
- Access route for walkers etc: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Parks Authority
- Road issues: The private owners of the roadways
- Emergency Vehicle access: Emergency Services
