Work has started on a new play area in Kirriemuir which will take its inspiration from the magical tale of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan.

As the little red town celebrates the 150th anniversary of the birth of its most famous son, the play park at Kirrie Hill will create a fitting project to mark the event.

The initial phase will include a new Neverland play area, a heritage and nature trail, new picnic tables, improvements to the access road and a new entrance feature to the park.

The Peter Pan theme will be reflected at the attraction through play equipment which will include a pirate ship, a crocodile, lost boys hideout and aerial slide.

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Visiting the site Councillor Colin Brown, vice-convener of Neighbourhood Services, said: “I am delighted that this exciting project is now underway. It will provide a fantastic facility for the people of Kirriemuir and Angus as a whole.

“We want to play our part in celebrating the 150th anniversary of JM Barrie, who spent his early youth in Kirriemuir and brought enjoyment to millions of people through his writing.

“The development will also boost tourism in the area, building as it does on the area’s links with JM Barrie and his most famous creation.”

The £255,500 project will be undertaken by Dundee Plant Company Ltd and is expected to be completed in October.

The project has been part funded by the Rural Dayside LEADER programmed which awarded of £60,000 towards the development. Angus Environmental Trust contributed £30,000 with the remainder being funded by Angus Council.

(GK)