Devastated residents of Pit-lochry in Highland Perthshire had their hopes dashed when councillors accepted plans to build a budget motel, apartments and a supermarket complex on the main shopping street.

It is claimed the move may "destroy" the tourist appeal, and a local politician said: "The natural habitat for this development is Cumbernauld or Glenrothes, not Pitlochry".

The objectors have resolved to keep fighting against the controversial scheme, which has finally received planning consent.

Perth and Kinross Council's development management committee voted to allow Aviemore-based Upland Developments to knock down a 150- year-old Victorian villa, Bank House, and other buildings in the town's conservation area to start the project.