Comrie square taking shape
Garden, lawn and seating areas all planned
Work to create a landscaped community space in the centre of Comrie is said to be progressing well.
St Kessog’s Square, which is owned by the Church of Scotland for the benefit of the community, has been opened up with the removal of the hoarding at the back of the square, and the new layout is beginning to take shape.
The predominant space will consist of garden, lawn and seating areas.
A perching wall will provide a safety barrier between St Kessog’s Square and the pavement, with access into the garden area via a new safety gate.
Rev Craig Dobney of Comrie Parish Church said the work is on schedule.
He told the Herald: “Development of St Kessog’s Square is moving on well.
“The pathways are beginning to take shape, with the edging being laid at the moment.
“Several tons of top soil are in place and ready for placing in the beds.
“The stones for the front wall and pillars have also recently been delivered.”
A small, short-stay car park is included in the plans for the first phase of the project.
Rev Dobney continued: “Work on the parking bays is well under way, with the next big milestone being the tarring. This stage is weather dependent so we are hoping for an improvement to the weather after storms Dudley and Eunice have passed.
“I realise there has been some concern about the number of parking bays – 12 – but these are really an added bonus.
“The priority has always been for a community space to be accessed and enjoyed by everyone.
“To this end we shall soon be asking for volunteers to form a cross-community committee, who will have a remit for managing the ongoing upkeep, usage, maintenance and future improvements of the square to best meet the needs of all people in the community.
“Our aim is to have this wonderful community space open in time for the coming summer season.”
Session Clerk Murray Lauchlan added: “We didn’t want to compromise on the quality of the work. It’s going to be a really highquality finish.
“We have had a lot of comments from people really interested now that they see it actually happening so that is very encouraging.
“Hardly anyone realised how much space there was behind the old fence and that is now being shown.”
The project has been scaledback due to rising material and construction costs but, ultimately, it is hoped that a shelter with a terrace will be installed further down the line. Meanwhile, more benches will be put in instead so that the first phase of the project can be open in time for the summer.
Our aim is to have this wonderful community space open in time for the coming summer season
Rev Craig Dobney