A community consultation event on the proposed design to extend and improve the skatepark at Pitlochry Recreation Ground into an all wheels park is to take place on Tuesday, October 6. 

The drop-in event will give local residents an opportunity to find out more about the £200,000 project, share their thoughts on the design for the exciting new facility, and meet the volunteers and contractors behind its delivery. 

The move comes following the appointment of specialist contractors Betongpark to carry out the detailed design and construction phases of the project, which is being managed on behalf of Pitlochry Community Action Trust (PCAT) and Pitlochry All Wheels (PAW) by Perth and Kinross Council (PKC).

Representatives from all four organisations will be on hand to chat to people about the project and the designs. 

Local parent Kate Thompson from PAW is looking forward to the event. She said: “Betongpark is recognised as one of Europe’s industry leaders in skatepark design and construction and the team there is very experienced and passionate about the work they do, so we are confident that we will get the best possible facility for Pitlochry.

“This project will create a larger, more versatile and more inclusive all wheels park with fun features that could be used by cyclists, skaters, skateboarders, scooters, balance bikes and wheelchair sports. 

“Facilities of this type encourage sustainable healthy communities, providing a forum for participants young and old, beginning and skilled, to meet up, share experiences, have fun and be active in a safe environment away from other traffic and pedestrians.

“This consultation follows on from the community survey carried out last year and attendance by representatives from PAW and PCAT at several community events. 

“We’re very excited about the design and can’t wait to share it with the wider community.”

Chair of Pitlochry Community Action Trust (PCAT), Judith Dingwall, also encouraged people to attend the community consultation event, commenting: 

“All wheels sports parks provide opportunities – in particular for young people from all different backgrounds – to participate in sport and to get outdoors, and there is lots of evidence that taking part in outdoor activities can have real, positive benefits for people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“We’re therefore really keen that as many people come along to this event to find out more about this transformative project and share their thoughts with us. 

“PCAT exists to facilitate community and volunteer-led projects such as this, guided by the aspirations set out in the Pitlochry Community Action Plan, with the aim of making a positive difference in our town. 

“Improving and extending the existing skate park at Pitlochry Recreation Ground to create a welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities is a wonderful example of how community-led initiatives can be a force for good, particularly when organisations work together in a meaningful way.”

Stuart Maclure, development manager at Betongpark, commented: “The local community in Pitlochry has been working tirelessly for years towards enhancing the existing skatepark so that it becomes a new all wheels facility. 

“This brings a fresh approach to delivering a skateable space that will be shared with other uses and community functions. 

“We are therefore excited to be joining the team at this community event as we progress towards a final design. The session will give members of the local community a chance to see the proposals, provide comment and understand more about the design and construction process.” 

The project is expected to break ground in March 2027 and will take around six weeks to complete. Commencing works in the spring will ensure that quality of the build, and in particular the final shotcrete work, will not be negatively impacted by lower temperatures. 

Contract administrator for PKC, Simon Garnett, explained: “We’re pleased to be working closely with PCAT and PAW on this project, which is going to create a much-needed asset for the local community and beyond.”

The project is being funded thanks to support from the SSE Renewables Sustainable Development Fund, the SSE Renewables Hydro Community Fund, SportScotland, the Gannochy Trust’s Youth Panel, Perth and Kinross Council’s Climate Challenge Emergency Fund, The Enchanted Forest Community Fund, The Enchanted Forest Discretionary Fund, Andie Millar’s Trust, and the Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry, as well as donations from members of the public. 

The community consultation event takes place on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 4pm to 7pm at Pitlochry Recreation Ground.