Calls for action over TV-scrambling trees

Claims that council-run outdoor centre is at a ‘commercial disadvantage’ due to scrambled signals

TV-scrambling trees are putting a Perthshire outdoor centre at a “commercial disadvantage,” it has been claimed.

Perth and Kinross Council has been urged to act on overgrown species in Kinloch Rannoch that are causing interference at a nearby self-catering complex.

The Kinloch Rannoch Outdoor Centre, which sleeps 26 people at a time and attracts thrill-seekers from throughout the country, is owned by The local authority and operated by Live Active Leisure.

The council said it will investigate the issue but has, so far, declined to trim back any trees, some of which are privately owned.

Local SNP councillor Mike Williamson said trees surrounding the base are blocking television signals, putting it a disadvantage over other similar centres.

“This is a well-run facility which prides itself on the sheer volume of outdoor activities available at a stone’s throw from the centre,” he said. “To hear that the local authority is refusing to cut back its own trees is quite baffling.

“I sincerely hope that Live Active Leisure has not lost out on any bookings as a result of this issue and I hope that Perth and Kinross Council will listen to calls to intervene.”

Local MP Pete Wishart added: “The situation is a bit ludicrous.

“Perth and Kinross Council is refusing to cut back its own trees, meaning that Live Active Leisure is having to run a site with no TV facilities.

“I understand that it is not the main reason for people using the facility, but given competition from other facilities, you would think it in the council’s interest to fix this as soon as they can.”

A local authority spokeswoman said she was aware of the concerns about the centre.

She said: “While some tree maintenance work in this location was historically carried out by the council, this is no longer the case, and in line with our current tree policy, trees would not be pruned purely to improve TV or satellite reception.

“Some of the trees in the vicinity are also on private land so their maintenance would be a matter for the landowner.

“In the interests of trying to find a resolution to the matter, council officers will inspect the trees on site to see if any appropriate action can be undertaken which is in line with the council’s tree policy, is good arboricultural practice and is within available resources.”

A Live Active Leisure spokeswoman added: “We are aware of an issue regarding aerial signal at the centre and have notified Perth and Kinross Council of the issue.”

To hear that the local authority is refusing to cut back its own trees is quite baffling. MIKE WILLIAMSON