Volunteers behind exciting proposals to extend and improve the current skatepark at Pitlochry Recreation Ground into an all wheels park are celebrating after being awarded more than £200,000 from the SSE Renewables Sustainable Development Fund, the SSE Renewables Hydro Community Fund, SportScotland and the Gannochy Trust’s Youth Panel to go towards the project.
The SSE Hydro Community Fund awarded the project £100,000, SSE Renewables Sustainable Development Fund and SportScotland have awarded the project £50,000 each and the Gannochy Trust’s Youth Panel has awarded the project just over £4000.
The idea for the new outdoor facility first came from local parents who wanted to enhance the existing offering and make the skate-park suitable for all abilities, all ages and all sorts of wheels.
The Pitlochry All Wheels (PAW) group, working in partnership with Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) and with support from Pitlochry Community Action Trust (PCAT) and the Pavilion Users Group (PUG), is hoping to create a larger, more versatile facility that would include fun features that could be used by cyclists, skaters, skateboarders, scooters, balance bikes and wheelchair sports.
The concept design also includes a multi-purpose flat pad designed for those just starting out on wheels and for activities such as basketball and netball.
Local parent Kate Thompson from PAW welcomed the funding news.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured more than £200,000 towards our goal of improving Pitlochry’s current skate-park and are hugely grateful to SSE Renewables, SportScotland and the Gannochy Trust’s Youth Panel for their support.
“A wheeled sports park gives the community, especially its young people, a place to share experiences, develop skills and be active in a safe environment.
“All wheels parks such as we envisage being developed here encourage sustainable, healthy communities and can be a vibrant community hub for residents as well as an attractive destination for visitors.
“We are committed to achieving a creative, collaborative and mindful design that works for all wheeled sports at all levels, that works in harmony with the picturesque surroundings, and takes into consideration the Recreation Ground’s role as home to large scale events such as Pitlochry’s Highland Games and the Heartland Festival.
“We engaged the services of a professional landscape architect for the concept design work and are also working closely with Perth and Kinross Council, and hope to be in a position to share the proposals with the wider community later this spring, with the aim being to deliver an all wheels park by the end of 2026.”
Chair of Pitlochry Community Action Trust (PCAT), Judith Dingwall, added her thanks, commenting:
“This support for proposals to improve and extend the existing skate park at Pitlochry Recreation Ground is very welcome, and testament to the importance of community-led initiatives in delivering strategic projects that can have a significant impact locally.
“All wheels sports parks provide opportunities – in particular for young people from all backgrounds – for participation in sport, and to get outdoors, improving the physical and mental health and wellbeing of those taking part.
“This funding gives us an invaluable opportunity to progress this project and will make a significant difference to what we can achieve.
“PCAT and PAW are proud to be part of the many initiatives supported by SSE Renewables, SportScotland and the Gannochy Trust’s Youth Panel that are making a positive difference in communities locally, regionally, and nationally.”
The proposals previously received funding support from The Enchanted Forest discretionary fund, the Andie Millar’s Trust and Pitlochry Inner Wheel, while a survey conducted last year showed considerable support for the proposals.
Kate added: “So far, support from the local community, particularly young people and pupils at Pitlochry High School, has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Improving the Recreation Ground and developing more community and recreation activities – particularly for young people – was highlighted as an aspiration in Pitlochry’s Community Action Plan 2022–2027 which was produced following an extensive community consultation process.
“A survey conducted last year received nearly 400 responses with 90% of respondents saying that they would use upgraded facilities more than they currently do, and 98% of respondents agreeing that improvements to the facilities at the Recreation Ground – like the addition of an all wheels park – would benefit the Pitlochry community.
“These proposals will go a long way towards achieving that goal by delivering a facility that is accessible and will inspire more people to get outdoors, be active and have fun.”
Sarah Marshall from SSE Renewables said: “SSE Renewables Sustainable Development Fund is delighted to be able to support Pitlochry All Wheels Park. It is clear that this project addresses a key need and we look forward to working with them to deliver this exciting initiative.”
Cassie McGunnigle, SSE Community Investment Manager (North of Scotland), added: “We’re really pleased to support the Pitlochry All Wheels Park project through the Hydro Community Fund. It’s clear how much passion and commitment local people have put into developing these plans. Projects like this create welcoming spaces where people of all ages and abilities can get active, build confidence and spend time together outdoors. We’re excited to see how the park develops and the positive impact it will have.”
A £50,000 award has been made to the project from SportScotland’s Sport Facilities Fund. The aim of the fund is to support projects which are designed to create or improve the places where people take part in sport and physical activity. Priority is given to projects that widen access to participation or allow people to progress further within their chosen sport locally by removing barriers, particularly in rural areas or areas of deprivation and for under-represented groups.
Chief Executive of SportScotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “It is exciting to see the progress on the Pitlochry All Wheels Park project. When complete it will become a real asset to sport in the area. Everyone involved in the project has demonstrated a real commitment to ensuring that more people in Pitlochry and the surrounding communities will have an opportunity to become physically active and connected to their local community.”
If you have any questions about the proposals, please email pitlochryallwheels@gmail.com
For media enquiries please contact Clare McMicking on clare.mcmicking@pitlochryaction.org.uk
