Parents in South Lanarkshire are expressing fury after the multi-millionaire owners of a historic castle hotel unveiled plans to replace a popular nursery with a luxury spa facility. The decision has left more than 100 children without their nursery and forced families into a desperate search for alternative childcare.
A Castle's Transformation and a Nursery's Demise
The controversy centres on Crossbasket Castle in High Blantyre, Lanarkshire, a premier Scottish hotel and wedding venue. The 14-acre estate was derelict before being purchased in 2011 by husband and wife Steve and Alison Timoney, who have a combined net worth estimated between £60 and £100 million. They embarked on an ambitious project to transform the category A-listed building into a leading luxury hotel.
As part of the original planning consent for this redevelopment, the inclusion of Crossbasket Nursery School was a key feature. However, the nursery closed earlier this year. It was initially suggested the closure was due to the owner's 'serious health concerns'.
This explanation has now been contradicted by the revelation that the Timoneys have submitted formal plans to South Lanarkshire Council to convert the nursery building into a high-end spa. The proposed facility is set to feature six treatment rooms, wet and dry experience facilities, and changing rooms. The conversion is expected to cost the couple a sum running into the six figures.
Devastation and Backlash from the Community
The news has been met with anger and despair from the local community. When the nursery's closure was first announced, worried parents, carers, and politicians described it as a 'devastating blow'.
Social media became an outlet for this frustration. One parent, Emma Gartshor, wrote: 'It is really astonishing that the owners genuinely thought we'd all believe them when they said this was never the plan.' Another, Kay Katherine, commented: 'Hope this decision was worth the displacement of staff, babies and children. Profit over integrity.' A third post called for a boycott, stating: 'I hope everyone boycotts it after the upset they cause to many staff, parents and kids. Knew it was profit over anything!'
Local politicians have also voiced their strong concerns. Collette Stevenson, the East Kilbride MSP, said she was 'deeply concerned by the closure', adding that she had heard from many local parents who were 'rightly devastated and worried about the impact this will have on their children and their ability to work.'
Clare Haughey, the Rutherglen MSP, noted that while the owner cited 'personal reasons', this did 'not alleviate the deep anxiety and stress that parents and nursery staff have experienced'.
Lavish Expansion Amidst Nursery Closure
The plans for the spa come just months after the Timoney family opened a lavish new 40-bedroom hotel within the estate following a £20 million expansion that opened in March. The hotel also boasts a high-end dining experience overseen by Roux, formerly of the two-Michelin-starred London restaurant Le Gavroche.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Crossbasket Castle explained the rationale: '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. As part of this, the spa is now planned for the estate's entrance, allowing the existing building to be repurposed.'
Despite the significant backlash from the community, the owners have proceeded with their application. South Lanarkshire Council is now reviewing the spa plans and will issue a decision in due course.
