Members of Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee gave their support to officers to secure a compulsory purchase order for the derelict Struan Hotel under Sections 9 and 10 of the Housing (Scotland) Act.

Dubbed Scotland’s ‘first ski hotel’, the Struan Hotel on Main Street played a part in the early days of making the Cairngorms a winter sports destination.

However, the hotel closed in 2006 and over the years has fallen into disrepair. Previous attempts to turn the land into homes have been unsuccessful.

Council officials said the building had fallen into a state of “severe disrepair” and become a potential hazard due to damage caused by break-ins and vandalism. Finding suitable sites in the area for building homes was “challenging”, they added.

Badenoch and Strathspey councillor and Highland Council convener Bill Lobban said: “This will be something fantastic for the village.

“This is yet another part of the jigsaw of finally replacing this decrepit, derelict eyesore which has blighted the middle of Carrbridge for years and years.

“Despite the combined efforts of the Highland Council, Carrbridge Community Council and local residents progress has been almost glacial.

“Whilst it may be some time before we see the entire area redeveloped this should give local residents the assurance that before too long we will see the old and much loved Struan replaced with homes for local families to live in.”

The head of development and regeneration will report back to the committee should there be a problem with the CPO moving forward.