Two of the most powerful women in Scotland who were at odds over an all-weather tennis development are set to become neighbours.
Judy Murray came up against transport tycoon Ann Gloag over the controversial Park of Keir development, but now they are set for another encounter closer to home.
The 73-year-old co-founder of Stagecoach has bought a large mansion and up to 71 acres surrounding it almost on the doorstep of the Murray family’s luxury country hotel Cromlix House, near Dunblane.
Mrs Gloag, who is worth about £1billion, has bought six-bedroomed Glassingall House, with its own all-weather tennis court and paddocks.
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It is understood the entrepreneur intends to develop and exploit its leisure facilities, but accountant Ian Mackintosh, speaking at the Edinburgh offices of Gloag Investment Properties, would only say: “We have no comment. It is just part of an investment portfolio. It’s a nice set up – that’s all I can say.”
Glassingall House, was on the market for offers over £650,000 and was bought through Glassingall Estate Limited for £850,000. The newly formed company is wholly owned by Mrs Gloag’s Highland and Universal Investments Ltd.
Mrs Gloag and Ms Murray were on opposing sides over the Park Of Keir plan, between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan. It was rejected by Stirling Council in December 2015, despite backing from golf star Colin Montgomerie, ex-football manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Tennis Scotland.
At a public inquiry, Mrs Gloag, who wants to build more than 100 homes on land adjacent to the site, was accused of employing a legal “attack dog” to halt Ms Murray’s plans. However, the Scottish Government later overruled local objectors and gave the project the go-ahead.
Ms Gloag’s new mansion is described in the estate agent Rettie’s brochure as “a spacious country house wonderfully situated amidst Victorian gardens and a mature estate landscape.” There are 22 acres of paddock grazing and 20 acres of woodland, with a further 29 acres being on offer.
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Glassingall is across a small river, and the B8033, which runs past the grounds of Cromlix House, which has recently announced its own expansion plans.
Ms Murray is a director of the hotel, which wants to expand its tearoom and create an extra 27 bedrooms to cope with the rise in demand for afternoon tea.
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