More than 40 people attended the second annual general meeting of Pitlochry Community Action Trust, held at the end of January in Pitlochry Town Hall. 

Those gathered heard from outgoing chair of the organisation, Charlie McCarthy, who reported on what has been an exciting year for the volunteer-led organisation. 

He said: “It has been another busy year for PCAT with a number of highlights. 

“We were delighted to become provisional members of DTAS (Development Trusts Association Scotland) and are now working towards becoming full members. We also had useful meetings with PKC’s strategic management team and attended sessions looking at affordable housing in Highland Perthshire, transport issues and tourism. 

“One of the biggest focuses of our work in 2024 was supporting Pitlochry Town Hall Group (PTHG) as they explore the feasibility of taking the historic building on for the benefit of the community, and we were delighted to secure nearly £30,000 in funding for the group to progress this.  

“In April, we hosted a free eco fair in Pitlochry Town Hall to promote sustainable living choices in Highland Perthshire as part of our ongoing efforts to protect and enhance the environment and the sustainability of the area. 

“PCAT also attended a number of other events in the community, including the Rotary Club’s Make A Difference day, Pitlochry Highland Games, The Enchanted Forest preview night and Dave Doogan MP’s Keeping Warm surgery. Several of our Trustees also volunteered at the Heartland Festival, which is a new addition to the calendar in Pitlochry. 

“Working with PKC, we have helped facilitate the replacement of a number of the general waste bins on Atholl Road as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the town centre, and are developing a plan to maintain the canopies. 

“We’ve also been working with the council and other local groups and organisations on a project to enhance the bus stop area in the town centre. A grant of £10,000 was awarded to the Trust from PKC’s Community Environment Challenge Fund, along with funding from the Enchanted Forest, for this project.”

Charlie had been chair of PCAT since it was first established in 2023, and was also a driving force behind the development of the Pitlochry Community Action Plan. Three other trustees – Carol Aitken, Julia Harriman and Susan Brown – also stood down at the meeting, while Scott Kerr was elected as a new trustee. Fran Norris and Alan Crombie were both re-elected as trustees. 

After the meeting, acting chair of PCAT, Judith Dingwall, commented: “Thank you to everyone who came along to our AGM – it was great to see such a good turnout and to welcome some new members as well. There was a real buzz in the hall with lots of conversations going on and connections being made.

“On behalf of PCAT I would also like to thank Charlie, Carol, Susan and Julia for the energy, commitment, enthusiasm and ideas they have brought to PCAT – it has been invaluable – and to welcome Scott to the Board.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to work towards having a positive impact in our community in the months ahead.”