The future of the grand Kilgraston School campus, a prominent landmark nestled near Bridge of Earn in Perthshire, has taken a significant step forward with the revelation of its new owner and the final sale price. This development comes at a time when Perth and Kinross Council has decisively dispelled unfounded online speculation regarding the building’s intended use.
The prestigious independent school, which sadly ceased operations in August 2024, leaving behind a reported debt exceeding £900,000, has now been acquired by Lumara Capital Ltd. The Salford-based development company completed the purchase for a sum of £1,730,000, as confirmed by recently obtained title deeds. While Lumara Capital, a firm known for its expertise in building development and real estate transactions, has yet to publicly disclose its specific plans for the expansive site, local authorities have moved swiftly to address and debunk a swirling rumour that the former school would be converted into accommodation for asylum seekers. Council Firmly Rejects Misinformation
Perth and Kinross Council has unequivocally stated that these online claims are entirely false. A council spokesperson urged residents to exercise caution and critically evaluate the origins of such information, especially when it circulates without official verification. The spokesperson highlighted the established communication protocols with the Home Office, emphasising that the council is always informed of any property earmarked for housing asylum seekers within Perth and Kinross. This includes all types of accommodation, from larger group settings like hotels to individual private residences. Currently, Perth operates two hotels for this purpose, and there has been no indication or communication from the Home Office about plans to utilise any additional facilities, including the former Kilgraston School, for housing multiple asylum seekers.
Furthermore, the council pointed out that any large-scale group accommodation of this nature would almost certainly necessitate a Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence. Significantly, no applications or enquiries pertaining to such a licence for the Kilgraston site, or any other building in the region for this specific purpose, have been lodged with the local authority. This absence of official paperwork further underscores the baselessness of the circulating rumours, providing clear factual grounds for their dismissal. MP Condemns Baseless Claims
The online misinformation has also drawn strong condemnation from local Member of Parliament, Pete Wishart. Mr. Wishart characterised the claims as “utterly baseless” and part of a worrying pattern of fabricated stories that have previously targeted other local facilities, such as a care home on Dundee Road in Perth. He noted that these recurring falsehoods contribute to unnecessary fear, sow division, and unfortunately, erode the strong community relations that Perth has historically enjoyed.
Mr. Wishart stressed that local authorities like Perth and Kinross Council have no jurisdiction over the placement of asylum seekers; these decisions rest solely with the UK Government. He commended the council for its diligent efforts in ensuring the welfare of individuals placed in the area, working collaboratively with various local groups. The MP urged the community of Perth to remain vigilant against such “misinformation” at a time when tensions can easily be heightened, advocating for “calm heads and reasoned discussion, which, crucially, must be rooted in facts and basic decency.” The council’s consistent efforts to provide transparent information on its website regarding asylum seeker accommodation procedures and numbers further reinforce the importance of accurate reporting and critical engagement with online content.
The prestigious independent school, which sadly ceased operations in August 2024, leaving behind a reported debt exceeding £900,000, has now been acquired by Lumara Capital Ltd. The Salford-based development company completed the purchase for a sum of £1,730,000, as confirmed by recently obtained title deeds. While Lumara Capital, a firm known for its expertise in building development and real estate transactions, has yet to publicly disclose its specific plans for the expansive site, local authorities have moved swiftly to address and debunk a swirling rumour that the former school would be converted into accommodation for asylum seekers. Council Firmly Rejects Misinformation
Perth and Kinross Council has unequivocally stated that these online claims are entirely false. A council spokesperson urged residents to exercise caution and critically evaluate the origins of such information, especially when it circulates without official verification. The spokesperson highlighted the established communication protocols with the Home Office, emphasising that the council is always informed of any property earmarked for housing asylum seekers within Perth and Kinross. This includes all types of accommodation, from larger group settings like hotels to individual private residences. Currently, Perth operates two hotels for this purpose, and there has been no indication or communication from the Home Office about plans to utilise any additional facilities, including the former Kilgraston School, for housing multiple asylum seekers.
Furthermore, the council pointed out that any large-scale group accommodation of this nature would almost certainly necessitate a Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence. Significantly, no applications or enquiries pertaining to such a licence for the Kilgraston site, or any other building in the region for this specific purpose, have been lodged with the local authority. This absence of official paperwork further underscores the baselessness of the circulating rumours, providing clear factual grounds for their dismissal. MP Condemns Baseless Claims
The online misinformation has also drawn strong condemnation from local Member of Parliament, Pete Wishart. Mr. Wishart characterised the claims as “utterly baseless” and part of a worrying pattern of fabricated stories that have previously targeted other local facilities, such as a care home on Dundee Road in Perth. He noted that these recurring falsehoods contribute to unnecessary fear, sow division, and unfortunately, erode the strong community relations that Perth has historically enjoyed.
Mr. Wishart stressed that local authorities like Perth and Kinross Council have no jurisdiction over the placement of asylum seekers; these decisions rest solely with the UK Government. He commended the council for its diligent efforts in ensuring the welfare of individuals placed in the area, working collaboratively with various local groups. The MP urged the community of Perth to remain vigilant against such “misinformation” at a time when tensions can easily be heightened, advocating for “calm heads and reasoned discussion, which, crucially, must be rooted in facts and basic decency.” The council’s consistent efforts to provide transparent information on its website regarding asylum seeker accommodation procedures and numbers further reinforce the importance of accurate reporting and critical engagement with online content.