The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
MSP backs call for ‘playground’ to be saved
Hopes that deal can be reached with owner angered by ‘breach of trust’
Hundreds of people have taken to social media to praise those responsible for creating an astonishing playground in Perthshire woods.
A Save the Gang Hut Facebook page has been created by fans, among whose number is Mid Scotland and Fife Green MSP Mark Ruskell.
They have called for the large and impressive hut, basketball court and mountain bike track near Comrie to be saved so they can be used by the community.
The landowner, farmer James Irvine, has been angered by the breach of his trust, having welcomed “responsible access” over a number of years.
Police Scotland is investigating what is an illegal use of the woodland.
Nonetheless, Mr Ruskell has called on the community and landowner to come together to see whether something positive can emerge.
He said the structures were reflective of the “skills, ingenuity, ambition and imagination” that flow through the Comrie Community and is keen to see a compromise.
Unknown individuals created their hut, sports facilities and a shooting range, entirely unnoticed, between the beginning of April and mid-June.
The Save the Gang Hut page has been started by a member of the public in the Scottish Borders, who said: “Give the kids some peace. This shows great initiative, skill and imagination.
“It is exactly what we as a society should be encouraging, not vilifying them as vandals.”
Hundreds of people have since added their own comments in support of the construction.
One local said: “I would sign a petition to save this hut as I’m sure hundreds of others would.
Another commented: “Look at how much thought and work these ‘vandals’ have put into this! Hope they get to keep it.”
Mr Ruskell said he had been contacted by a number of constituents and is now urging them to speak to the landowner.
“Obviously the landowner was surprised to find this on his land and clearly the people responsible should have approached him,” he said.
“If there is evidence that people are genuinely acting as vandals – cutting down trees and starting irresponsible fires – then that cannot continue, but I do not see evidence of that here.
“I think local people can look at this with some pride. There is real inspiration in what the young people have achieved – something that I think is reflective of the wider community.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The woods are private property and the landowner has not given permission for any construction or any recreational activities other than walking to take place in the woods.”