The first of 20 new replacement chalets have arrived at the Double Dykes permanent Gypsy/Traveller site in Ruthvenfield, marking a significant milestone in the £6.5 million refurbishment project. The site is undergoing a complete transformation, funded by £4 million secured by Perth and Kinross Council from the Scottish Government’s Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund.

The project, which is being carried out with full consultation and engagement with residents, will replace all existing chalets with brand-new, energy-efficient accommodation. Major improvements are also being made across the site.

The Scottish Government's Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund, part of the "Improving the Lives of Scotland's Gypsy/Travellers" Action Plan, aims to enhance accommodation for Gypsy/Traveller communities.

Upon completion, the Double Dykes improvement scheme will include:

• 20 new chalets, replacing older accommodation.

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• Energy-efficient heating and hot water systems using renewable technology like solar panels.

• New services and utilities connections.

• New fencing for each pitch.

• Improved roadways and fences.

• Upgraded LED street lighting.

• Improved site drainage.

• A new playing field area with potential for a communal gathering space, play park, and community garden.

• New paths for improved site access.

Five chalets were delivered this week, constructed off-site by Ardbeg Modular and assembled at Double Dykes by Ogilvie Construction. Residents have previously visited the factory to see their new homes being built.

The project is being carried out in phases to minimize disruption and is expected to be completed by September 2025.

Housing and Social Wellbeing Convener, Councillor Tom McEwan, said: "This is a very important week for residents at Double Dykes. This fantastic project has been several years in the planning and will completely transform the lives of people who live there. I'm sure that residents will be delighted to see the first new chalets arriving and being built. After a long period working closely with residents about how we could transform the site, this will make the project very real for them. The existing chalets at the site have been in place for some time and the replacement accommodation will have modern facilities and excellent energy efficiency, helping residents to save on their fuel bills."

He added: "We have worked in partnership with residents at each stage of the process to make sure their individual chalets suit their needs and that the wider site improvements were what they want. I would like to thank the residents for their support, co-operation and patience during the project."