Legendary Scottish king Robert the Bruce would be “turning in his grave” over £68million housing plans at Aberdeen’s Rubislaw Quarry it was claimed last night, as a war of words over the future of the historic site intensified.
Canadian real estate firm Carttera wants to create 299 flats, a gym for residents, and a combined bistro and “mini-museum” on the northern edge of Rubislaw Quarry – which could be 10 storeys high.
But the plans have proved controversial throughout the local community, with 260 objections lodged as of last night.
Dozens attended a public meeting held to discuss the scheme last week at Harlaw Academy.
The scheme clashed with local businessman Hugh Black’s aims to create a £6million heritage centre on the southern edge of the site.
Carttera argued the proposed tourist attraction would have a negative impact on the value of its flats, and Mr Black’s appeal to the Lands Tribunal for Scotland to vary the conditions for his land there were recently rejected.
Carterra boss Jim Tadeson previously claimed a social media post by Mr Black advising people how to object to the application had been used to “advance (his) political agenda.”
But last night, Mr Black said: “Robert the Bruce gifted that area of the city to the Burgh of Aberdeen back in the 14th Century and his statue sits proudly outside Marischal College, the second largest granite building in the world.
“He will be turning in his grave at the very thought of such an act.
“Their first attempt never even reached the planning stage but now the IBI Group, a Canadian based architectural company, have come up with the great idea of a flatted development resembling The Three Sisters of Glencoe, right on the edge of our city’s most prized possession, Rubislaw Quarry.
“Just like the MacDonald Clan used Glencoe to rustle cattle, Carterra have even stolen the idea of celebrating our granite heritage to help prop up an already saturated rental flat market.”
Mr Tadeson declined to comment further yesterday.
He said previously: “We don’t think people should be using Facebook to attack other people and influence the population to advance their own political agenda.
“Our heritage display, cafe and promenade are far more extensive than his, and are permissible at law, whereas his never was and never will be.”
