The A9 route must cater for bicycles

I read with interest the article regarding construction traffic at Bertha Park.

There is 400 metres of road, which is not a problem, but try cycling from the Beech Hedges to Perth via Stanley that is a bigger problem.

It is very narrow and downright dangerous, only when one reaches Luncarty can a cyclist feel relatively safe.

I hope the new A9 has provision for cyclists.

Try cycling from Dunkeld to Pitlochry.

There is a path beside the A9 where the south bound motorist at 60mph is less than one metre away on the left hand side.

The path is often strewn with debris or potholes.

Once you reach Ballinluig, the route is then from Logierait over the hills to Pitlochry.

It is very scenic but not very practical.

As a motorist and cyclist I would wish a decent, safe cycle path away far from traffic. Jim Aitken Bridge of Earn

Bigthanksforsix monthofsupport

In September 2017, I was part of Perthshire Open Studios, when a customer came to visit Candle Art Perthshire, my artisan candle making business.

I was discussing how the impact that running a small business from home was impacting on my small cottage and my husband was keen for me to find somewhere with a workshop.

This customer asked if I knew that the tearoom was up for rent between Burrelton and Balbeggie.

I got into the car that night drove up and sure enough the lease was coming up for renewal. All excited, I got onto the solicitors website but disappointedly, there was nothing on there. I’d missed it.

For some reason, a few days later, I phoned the solicitor and the ball started rolling. I hadn’t missed it. It had just not been advertised. By luck we got it.

It took us until the following March to sign the lease.

It took us six weeks and 80 litres of white paint. A lot of hard work from my husband replacing a kitchen and erecting walls. On April 28, The Three WitchesTearoom opened for coffee and cake. Upcycled, charity bought furniture was resinned or painted. Friends donated furniture, customers bought us gifts.

My background in dental hygiene doesn’t give you any help when pouring a latte or making the foam on a cappuccino. Luckily the girls gelled really quickly and then we got Dani from Hungary on board.

Six months down the line with a steep learning curve behind me but probably a lot more to learn in front, we are happily celebrating six months open.

We have the tearoom running well, a craft barn that is promoting local makers and creatives. We support local businesses whenever we can. We are about to open a small farm shop and I have contacted Perth and Kinross council regarding social enterprise.

So, finally I get to say thank you to family, friends, customers who have watch us struggle at times but have supported us over these six months.

Therefore, we are hosting a birthday party on November 11 from 10am. Food is on us.

Music is supplied by Callum Wallace.

All proceeds donated will be split between Clic Sargent and Poppy Scotland.

We are also raffling some lovely pieces of work from the designers to showcase their talent. Come and visit on Sunday. Carol Clark via email