A meeting of the Perth & Kinross Council's Environment Committee has outlined plans for the regeneration of Crieff's MacRosty Park.

Support is being sought from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to transform the park which was gifted to Crieff in 1902 by James MacRosty 'for the purpose of public enjoyment and recreation.'

The report to Councillors outlines the Management Plan for 2008-2013, which forms the basis of the next stage of the bid to the HLF for funding to significantly improve and enhance the facilities in the park and safeguard the value of the park as a community resource for the future.

The improvements planned include new play facilities, refurbishment and extension of the former tennis pavilion as a building for community use and the introduction of a part-time Greenspace Ranger to co-ordinate community activities.

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Work will be done to restore heritage features, such as the bandstand. The car park, paths and bridges will be improved.

The management plan also sets out actions to widen the range of people using MacRosty Park and increase educational opportunities that it can offer, including proposals to use the park as an outdoor classroom.

The plan has been developed by the Council in partnership with the community-based Friends of MacRosty Park group and through extensive consultation with local residents.

Environment Convener, Councillor Alan Grant said: "MacRosty Park is a much-valued resource for the local community in Crieff and the vicinity. The management plan sets out ambitious and forward-thinking plans for maintaining and developing the park in the years ahead and I welcome the involvement of local people in developing these proposals. Hopefully the Management Plan will persuade the Heritage Lottery Fund to provide the support needed to deliver this excellent upgrade."

(GK/NS)