‘Knock-ed’ back into shape with revamp
A popular Perthshire beauty spot is to get a makeover.
Perth and Kinross Council has begun improvement work to the Knock of Crieff to make it more welcoming and accessible through upgrades to some of the main paths, infrastructure and signage.
And landscaping at both car parks and on the hill is also being carried out.
In addition, work to trees will see key viewpoints being opened up once more.
A council report, known as the Knock Action Plan, said the natural asset gave an impression of neglect due to its infrastructure being over 20 years old, with a piecemeal mix of styles.
Entrance points were also described as not being very welcoming.
But the comprehensive proposal maps out what is hoped will be a brighter future for the popular visitor attraction, with work set to be completed in the coming weeks.
Third-party contributions of £62,000 have been received towards the project, including £50,000 from the SUEZ Communities Trust and £10,000 from Crieff Community Council.
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “The Knock is a very popular visitor attraction in Crieff and we are currently investing in a wide range of improvements across the hill to make it more welcoming and accessible to visitors.
“This includes improvements to the car parks, new furniture, resurfacing some of the paths in key locations, construction of a new low level circular path from the lower car park, opening up key viewpoints and installing informal seating areas.
“Work to deliver these improvements is on target and should be completed this spring, with new signage, site maps and waymarkers to be installed at a later date.
“We are very grateful for the funding received from SUEZ and the hard work and dedication by Crieff Community Council and their help to raise funding from the Community Challenge Fund, without which the project would not have become a reality.”
Harry Thomason, chair of Crieff Community Council, commented: “The community council was happy to help by applying to the Community Challenge Fund for funding.
“The improvements will make a big difference and I’m glad that this is getting done. Hundreds of people use the Knock for recreation and we are lucky to have it.”
Regular visitor Linda Holden, who lives in Crieff, also welcomed the work.
She added: “We are so fortunate to have such beauty on our doorstep.“Improvements are always brilliant. In the winter it can be a bit testing walking up some of the paths so this should make a big difference.
“It will make it easier for everyone to access and enjoy.”