Plans for a luxury spa at one of Scotland's most exclusive hotel estates were already underway months before families were informed their children's nursery would close, MailOnline can exclusively reveal.
The Timeline of Events
Crossbasket Nursery, situated within the 14-acre grounds of Crossbasket Castle in Blantyre, shut its doors for the final time on October 1. Parents received the devastating news in July that the facility - used by more than 100 children - would close, sparking a scramble for alternative childcare and leaving approximately 30 staff members unemployed.
At the time of the announcement, rumours suggested the closure resulted from 'serious health concerns of the owner'. However, it has now emerged that Alison and Steve Timoney, reportedly worth between £60 million and £100 million, discussed their plans for a new spa with an industry publication back in March - a full five months before the nursery closure was announced to parents.
Accelerated Development Plans
The couple described the spa as 'phase three of the wider development project' and highlighted two new five-bedroom riverside lodges as part of the expansion, though they didn't specify the spa's exact location within the estate.
Documents reveal the project accelerated almost immediately after the nursery closed. Planning applications to South Lanarkshire Council are dated October 13 and 28 - lodged less than two weeks after the final children and staff departed the building.
The 14-acre estate had been derelict before being purchased in 2011 by Steve and Alison Timoney, who embarked on transforming the category A-listed building into a luxury destination.
Community Backlash and Official Response
The revelation has sparked anger among parents, former employees and local residents, many of whom had been led to believe no future use for the nursery building had been decided.
Clare Haughey, the area's representative contacted by affected families, stated: 'Originally, families had been advised by the nursery that the possibility of managers stepping in to run it may be explored, and that there were 'no current plans' for any potential usage of the site.'
She added: 'I was extremely surprised to see that just 12 days after the nursery officially closed that a very detailed planning application, including detailed site plans, was submitted to the Council.'
Crossbasket Castle maintains there is no connection between the nursery's closure and the spa development. A spokesperson explained: 'Development of the eco lodges and spa had already commenced alongside the River Calder, adjacent to the new hotel. Following the closure and handover of the former nursery building, a review of the estate layout was undertaken to ensure the best use of available space.'
Former nursery worker Samantha Corry expressed the feelings of many, saying: 'Can't say that's a surprise but the disgusting part is not even two weeks after losing our jobs were these plans submitted to the council. Speaks volumes of the integrity of the owners when they clearly knew the plans for the building all along.'
The nursery closure came just months after the estate unveiled a lavish new 40-bedroom hotel in March, part of a £20 million investment that has transformed Crossbasket Castle into one of Scotland's most extravagant destinations.
