Opinions divided over Aviemore potential for a McDonalds
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A first McDonald's restaurant could open in the strath with the world's biggest fast food chain confirming it is looking at a site in Aviemore.
But the news has divided locals after the Strathy broke the news – although the response to the Strathy's appeal for comment were overwhelmingly in favour of the fast food giant moving in.
Some did say they were concerned that some local food and hospitality businesses could suffer due to the competition that will be created by McDonald's which has more than 1,450 restaurants across the UK and Ireland and employs over 135,000 people.
The company confirmed to the Strathy that it was looking to open in the strath.
A McDonald's spokesperson said: "We can confirm that we’re looking at a particular site in Aviemore.
"However, we’re so early in the process that we’re not in a position to offer any more detail at this time."
It is not known if the company plans to build its own premises – sit-in or drive-through – on a new site or whether it is looking to buy or lease an existing unit, but locals are already making suggestions of their own.
High on a local list of potential sites is the former Superdrug store in the retail park on Santa Claus Drive.
It has been vacant since the store closed suddenly in January, after five years.
There was a buzz on social media about the possible new arrival.
Malky Taylor said: "Rather a Burger King but bring it on – brilliant."
Rose Young posted: "Be good if it ever happens."
Nicole Gilfillan responded: "OMG I hope so."
Jack Wrightman chipped in: "Get it done!!!"
David Ross joked: "I sincerely hope not. Purely because my bank balance and weight will not be able to cope!"
Steven Miller said: "Now that's good news."
Mike Kochalski wondered: "Who will clean up the rubbish?"
While Piotrek Peretko said with a sad face emoji: "Last place in Scotland fast food free will be gone."
Aviemore did have a Subway unit on Grampian Road and there is also a Costa Coffee on the village's retail park and briefly a Chick-fil-A restaurant at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort but on the whole the big fast food names have steered clear of the strath.
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 plans never transpired.
Local Highland councillor Bill Lobban said: “Major international companies relocating to Aviemore is a sign of confidence in the future of the town.
“Of course the downside is the increased competition for existing providers.
“That said, however, we have some excellent food and beverage operators here already who are more than capable of holding their own against increased competition.”
Fellow local member Russell Jones said: “If it’s true they are coming to Aviemore then it gives more choice in our area for locals and tourists alike but I sincerely hope that people continue to support our fantastic local businesses as well.”
Aviemore did have a Subway unit on Grampian Road and there is also a Costa Coffee on the village’s retail park and briefly a Chick-fil-A restaurant at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort but on the whole the big fast food names have steered clear of the strath.
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 plans never transpired.
Competition is not a material planning consideration if McDonald’s should pursue their interest and seeking planning permission for a fast food restaurant in Aviemore.
