Work begins to replace spectator terracing at recreation ground

Work has begun on a £210,000 project at the heart of a Highland Perthshire community.

Perth and Kinross Council’s Community Greenspace team and volunteer community group, Pitlochry Pavilion User Groups (PUGS), are about to realise their ambitions to replace the historic terracing for spectators at Pitlochry Recreation Ground.

Environment committee convener Alan Grant said: “With its beautiful natural setting, this is an important destination for visitors and residents alike and the terraces are an integral part of the popular Highland games and Highland nights events, but in desperate need of upgrading.

“The amount of fundraising achieved is fantastic and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved with this.”

The project team has been working for two years, shaping the design and raising funds.

The project fund is made up of £123,000 from the council’s capital budget, boosted by generous awards from The Enchanted Forest Community Trust (£40,000), The Gannochy Trust (£25,000), the council’s Community Environment Challenge Fund (£13,000), Pitlochry Highland Games (£5,000) and £4,000 from local supporters.

Bruce Patterson, chairman of PUGS, said: “What began as a consultation meeting two years ago has taken wings and with the enthusiasm flowing through the community the plans have come to fruition.

“This is a great example of an exercise in community determination, local autonomy, collaboration between local groups with individual requirements and a strong partnership between a community and its local authority.”