Crieff is celebrating after a grant of £1,161,500 was secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) towards the cost of transforming the town's MacRosty Park.

This award, which represents approximately 60% of the total project cost (estimated at £1,847,000), will enable an extensive and ambitious upgrade of the park to proceed. Perth & Kinross Council has allocated £460,000 to the project, and additional funding has also been secured through a range of funding partners including the Gannochy Trust.

The project will ensure that the historic park is sustained as a valuable community resource for future generations.

The plan to upgrade the park and secure the HLF money has been developed over the past three years by the Council in partnership with the Friends of MacRosty Park group, and through extensive consultation with local residents.

Environment Convener, Councillor Alan Grant said: "This is fantastic news. I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to the Friends of MacRosty Park and the Council officers who have been involved in this project. This success is all down to their hard work and dedication, and I know they are all over-the-moon at this announcement.

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"MacRosty Park is a much-valued resource for the local community in Crieff, and this money will allow huge improvements to be made whilst also respecting the Park’s rich heritage."

Local Councillors Ann Cowan, Helen McDonald and Anne Younger, who have been working to secure the HLF funding, expressed their delight at the news.

Councillor McDonald said: "Back in 2003 the outlook for the Park was concerning us and so we called a public meeting at which the Friends of MacRosty Park, all volunteers, was formed. The first Chairman, Ian Cowing, was successful in gaining charitable status for the group.

"After that Pat Campbell took over the chair and has worked tirelessly towards the goal of winning substantial financial support for the Park. I would like to thank everyone involved for the countless hours of tireless work that has gone into this project. This is a fantastic day for Crieff."

The proposed works aim to further increase public enjoyment of this exceptional park and restore its infrastructure. The former tennis pavilion will be refurbished and extended to become a multi-functional building providing a venue for community activities, with refreshments available during the summer season. New semi-automated toilets will be provided adjacent to the pavilion, close to the exciting new play facilities and the water play area, which will bring the park to life again for children and families.

(GK/JM)