The Highland Council's Caithness Committee has approved £292,162 in funding for improvements to five play parks across the region.

The funding, allocated from the Scottish Government's Play Park Renewal Fund, will be used for projects in Gillock Park, Thurso; Harland Road, Castletown; Dunnet; Scrabster; and Grizzly Park in Wick.

"Across Caithness, there are 49 play areas and 335 pieces of play equipment," said Councillor Ron Gunn, Chair of the Committee. "We must prioritise projects that align with the Scottish Government's criteria for the Play Park Renewal Fund."

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Gunn emphasised the importance of community involvement in play park improvements, stating, "Community fundraising and initiatives such as community asset transfers have been successful in securing external funding for many play parks in Caithness. We will continue to support these efforts."

In addition to the Scottish Government funding, Place Based Investment Funds will be used to improve play parks in Bignold, Hillhead, and King George V in Wick, and Castle Terrace and Beach Road in Thurso.

While the provision of play parks is not a statutory duty, the council is responsible for the inspection and maintenance of installed equipment. Regular inspections are conducted based on usage and risk, with an annual inspection carried out by an independent, qualified playground inspector.

Following today's committee approval, orders for the equipment and works will be placed.