Efforts to enhance the central bus stop area in Pitlochry town centre received a boost recently with news that Pitlochry Community Action Trust (PCAT) has been awarded £10,000 from Perth and Kinross Council’s Community Environment Challenge Fund. 

The funding, along with a donation from The Enchanted Forest Community Benefit Fund last year, is to go towards the costs of work to rejuvenate the greenspace area in the prominent town centre location. 

Plans for the renovation and replanting of the space include clearing many of the old, overgrown shrubs, crown-lifting some of the trees and trimming others to improve light in the area, removing debris, improving and cultivating the soil, landscaping the area with stone and grasses in various colours and sizes, pressure cleaning the existing paving and fixtures, renovating three benches at the bus stop, and cleaning and repainting the central seating. 

Sadly, a decision had to be taken some months ago by Perth and Kinross Council’s Greenspace team to remove the tree in the canopy after an inspection by a qualified tree surgeon discovered it to be diseased and a possible danger to members of the public.

It is hoped that the revamped space will contribute towards fostering an increased sense of civic pride in Pitlochry, that it will remain a haven for wildlife in the heart of the town, and that it will require little ongoing maintenance from local volunteer groups and Perth and Kinross Council’s Greenspace team.

Several local volunteer groups were consulted during the project planning stage, including Pitlochry in Bloom, the Pitlochry Litter Action Group, the Pitlochry Partnership, the Pitlochry Paths Group, and the project is being facilitated by PCAT Trustee Karen Allen. 

Karen said: “We are hugely grateful to Perth and Kinross Council for their very generous donation, which will enable us to rejuvenate the greenspace area at the central bus stop in the centre of Pitlochry.

“This high-profile site is used extensively by visitors to the town, public transport passengers, and local residents but has become tired and overgrown in recent years. 

“Thanks to this funding, the project will rejuvenate the space, restoring it so that it is a welcoming and pleasant place for all and creating a focal point in the town centre.” 

Commenting on the loss of the tree in the canopy, Karen said: “While it was obviously disappointing to have to lose one of the trees in this space, the advice from a professional tree surgeon was that it could not be saved as its trunk was split down the middle and had to be cut near the root. Removal of the tree was not planned as part of this project, and there is no plan to remove any of the other trees. 

“We are aware that our disappointment over the loss of the tree is shared by others in the community. Hopefully there will be an opportunity in the future to replace the canopy, and we would be keen to hear what people would like to see in the space.”

Work has started on the initial project with local business Alex Butter Landscaping on site now, and should be completed within the next few weeks, weather permitting.

The project builds on other recent enhancements in the town centre including restoring the information board, cleaning and repairing the Victorian canopies, replacing many of the waste bins, and improving signage for walking, cycling, attractions and facilities, all of which benefit thousands of people – both local residents and visitors to the area alike. 

Karen explained: “Pitlochry is a busy town attracting some 200,000 visitors every year and this project will make a huge difference to an area that is often someone’s first impression of our town. It will provide an open area for passengers to relax in while they wait for their connection, and a meeting point.

“Over the last year, we have made great progress in working towards facilitating some of the aspirations highlighted by local residents in the community action plan for Pitlochry, and this project is great example of how we are doing that.

“Thank you to everyone involved for all their efforts and for helping to make a positive difference in our area.”