Coorie Inn in Muthill has submitted a planning application to Perth and Kinross Council that would see the village business expand its accommodation and dining facilities.
Expansion plans include new extension and refurbishment
The proposals include a new-build extension, the refurbishment of the existing coach house building, and the creation of four additional en-suite bedrooms, including a fully accessible bedroom with a dedicated accessible shower room.
Plans also include new covered outdoor space for guests and changes to the bar and dining areas, with the aim of providing additional space within the inn.
The proposed extension would incorporate a sedum, or 'green', roof, while solar panels are also included in the plans. If approved, the development would increase the inn's accommodation from six bedrooms to 10.
Recent recognition for the business
The planning application has been submitted following a period of recognition for the Muthill business.
Coorie Inn currently holds two AA Rosettes and a Michelin Guide recommendation. Last year, the business was named Restaurant with Rooms of the Year and received the Chefs Patron award at Scotland's Hotel Honours.
It was also included in The Times' 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK for 2025. More recently, the inn was named a winner at the Muddy Stilettos Awards, while the team has also been shortlisted for the Thistle Awards, Scotland's national tourism awards, and the SLTN Awards, which recognise businesses and individuals across the Scottish licensed trade and hospitality industry.
The business has also been involved in the local community, including supporting Muthill in Bloom, a community-led initiative aimed at improving the appearance of the village.
Owner says expansion will tackle accessibility issues
Phillip Skinazi, co-owner of Coorie Inn, said the proposed expansion would allow the business to increase its capacity while addressing some of the accessibility issues it currently faces.
"We are all very excited. This has been many months of work to get to this stage, though we understand we have a long road ahead of us yet," he said.
"Our hope is that council planners and the wider community feel this is a welcome addition to the already growing business. The increased capacity will allow us to move to the next level in our offer, and also help in tackling a number of accessibility challenges we navigate regularly."
Reuniting the inn with the Coachhouse
A further element of the application involves the relationship between the inn and the adjacent Coachhouse at 6 Willoughby Street. The proposed development would reunite the two properties, which were separated in 1983.
"There is something quite special about bringing an old disused building back into the community," Mr Skinazi said. "The main building at 6 Willoughby Street owes its existence to the Coachhouse. They were separated in 1983, it seems right that they continue their future together."
The owners say the development could also create additional employment opportunities and bring more visitors to Muthill.
The planning application will now go through the assessment process with Perth and Kinross Council. Mr Skinazi said the business was aware that the process would take time but remained focused on its longer-term plans.
"This isn't a today for tomorrow project. We are keen to set our goals and work towards our future," he said.
A decision on the planning application has yet to be made.
