Burger giants McDonald’s have told the Strathy they won’t be coming to Aviemore and are looking ‘wider’
Fastfood giant McDonald’s has finally confirmed it is not coming to Aviemore’s retail park.
The company confirmed the decision to the Strathy after months of speculation following the lack of activity at its approved site for development.
Controversial plans to open up a restaurant at the former Superdrug premises were first mooted some 18 months ago.
McDonald’s then announced in April last year that it intended to add Aviemore to its 1,450 other British outlets.
The thought of the famous Golden Arches moving into the village divided opinion although most local residents appeared to be in favour on social media.
But this week a spokesman for the fast food giant told the Strathy: “We are always on the lookout for suitable locations and whilst we are no longer progressing this specific site we are exploring a number of opportunities in the wider area.”
Local Highland councillor Bill Lobban, who lives in Aviemore, said: "I think its unfortunate that a major international brand has decided not to invest in our community.
“Aviemore is a tremendous investment opportunity for businesses large and small so I'm sure the vacant space will soon be filled.
“Personally, I was looking forward to a Big Mac but there are a number of great alternative options available."
Cairngorms Business Partnership chief Craig Mills said: "While it’s disappointing for some that McDonald's won’t be opening in Aviemore, there are a wonderful array of fantastic local eateries to explore.
The neighbouring Winking Owl pub and Aviemore Community Council were amongst those opposing the plans.
But local councillors Bill Lobban and Russell Jones were both in favour of the development and permission was granted.
Many observers had been surprised at the choice of site since the more usual approach by the burger giant has been to acquire a vacant plot on the fringes of a town and create a drive-in restaurant with easy car parking facilities.
Rivals Burger King did look at moving into Aviemore in the early 2000s with plans for a drive-in at the south end of the village but the proposal never transpired
