Works are under way to improve the central bus stop area in Pitlochry where a prominent but diseased tree – with seating fitted around it – was removed last year.
Pitlochry Community Action Trust (PCAT) has received £10,000 from Perth and Kinross Council’s Community Environment Challenge Fund as well as funding from the Enchanted Forest Community Benefit Fund to enhance the area on the town’s Atholl Road.
It is hoped the project to rejuvenate the popular greenspace area – which sits in front of The Old Mill and across from Fishers Hotel – will be completed within the next few weeks.
Last September, a tree – which provided shelter to visitors and locals alike for many years – was removed because it was deemed a safety hazard due to it showing signs of rot. The specialist seating – which was fitted around it – has remained in place, serving almost as a sad reminder of what was.
Single mum of one Lisa Zaczek was very sad to see the prominent Pitlochry tree had been removed.
She said: “Trees and shrubs are such a valuable asset to a town and it’s community, not only do they produce much needed shade and reduce temperatures by up to 10ºC on a scorching summer’s day, but they are one of the main contributors towards flood prevention, they also clean and purify the air that we breathe, taking carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the trees cells. Every time a tree is cut down all of that carbon dioxide is then released back into the atmosphere.
“There’s also the general feeling of wellbeing that trees and green spaces have on our wellbeing and mental health.”
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “We appreciate the tree was a popular and recognisable landmark in Pitlochry for residents and the many thousands of visitors to the town over the years. Sadly, it had split and was showing signs of rot which meant, after seeking arboriculture advice and given the high footfall in the area, it was necessary to remove the tree on safety grounds in September.
“Other landscaping works in the area are being carried out by Pitlochry Community Action Trust. It is hoped the tree may be able to regenerate or be replaced as part of the ongoing work in the area.”
Work has now begun to improve the town centre spot.
The project involves clearing old, overgrown shrubs, removing debris, crown-lifting some trees and trimming others to improve light in the area as well as improving and cultivating the soil. The area is being landscaped with stone and grasses in various colours and sizes. The existing paving and fixtures are being pressure washed and the central seating is getting a lick of paint.
The project is being facilitated by PCAT trustee Karen Allen. Several local volunteer groups – including Pitlochry in Bloom, the Pitlochry Litter Action Group, the Pitlochry Partnership, the Pitlochry Paths Group – were consulted.
Karen said: “We are hugely grateful to Perth and Kinross Council for their very generous donation, which will enable us to rejuvenate the greenspace area at the central bus stop in the centre of Pitlochry.
“This high-profile site is used extensively by visitors to the town, public transport passengers, and local residents but has become tired and overgrown in recent years.
“Thanks to this funding, the project will rejuvenate the space, restoring it so that it is a welcoming and pleasant place for all and creating a focal point in the town centre.”
Commenting on the loss of the tree, PCAT’s Karen Allen said: “While it was obviously disappointing to have to lose one of the trees in this space, the advice from a professional tree surgeon was that it could not be saved as its trunk was split down the middle and had to be cut near the root. Removal of the tree was not planned as part of this project, and there is no plan to remove any of the other trees.
“We are aware that our disappointment over the loss of the tree is shared by others in the community. Hopefully there will be an opportunity in the future to replace the canopy, and we would be keen to hear what people would like to see in the space.”
Local business Alex Butter Landscaping is on site now and – weather permitting – the project should be completed within the next few weeks.
The project is the latest in the town centre. Previous enhancements have included restoring the information board, cleaning and repairing the Victorian canopies, replacing waste bins and improving signage.
Karen added: “Pitlochry is a busy town attracting some 200,000 visitors every year and this project will make a huge difference to an area that is often someone’s first impression of our town. It will provide an open area for passengers to relax in while they wait for their connection, and a meeting point.
“Over the last year, we have made great progress in working towards facilitating some of the aspirations highlighted by local residents in the community action plan for Pitlochry, and this project is great example of how we are doing that.
“Thank you to everyone involved for all their efforts and for helping to make a positive difference in our area.”
Highland Perthshire ward councillor John Duff welcomes the work being carried out.
The Conservative councillor said: “A makeover for this important part of Pitlochry Town Centre was seen as a priority in the recent Community Action Plan and I was happy to support the Community Action Trust’s application for funding to transform this area. The work will make it more appealing and the planned clearing and landscaping will open it up and make it central feature of the town centre.”