Blairgowrie & Rattray Hub Magazine Summer 2023

We are now approaching summer and local
residents will have been delighted to hear
the announcement that work on the longawaited
replacement recreation centre in
Blairgowrie should start sometime in June.
This has been a very frustrating project
beset by unforeseen delays, including the
Covid pandemic.
Local Councillor Bob Brawn has been
working hard to get details of when the
development will progress. He understands
that contracts are currently being finalised.
Following that, there is to be a ‘six-week
mobilisation period’ as the necessary
equipment comes on site and a temporary
car park for 11 vehicles is constructed along
Beeches Road in the town. The project is to
be delivered in two phases, with the first
phase comprising the construction of the
new recreation centre and the all-weather
pitch.
The second phase would include the
demolition of the existing building and
‘making good the site,’ including the parking
areas and landscaping.
If work does get underway in June, the first
phase of the project should be completed
by the end of 2024 – with phase two due to
finish around mid-2025. The new centre will
be constructed to the Passivhaus design
standard – only the second such centre in
the UK to do so, which ensures maximum
energy efficiency utilising appropriate
materials and maximising natural light
wherever possible.
The central showpiece of the centre will be
a six-lane swimming pool. Once the centre is
completed, it will be a real feather in the cap
for Blairgowrie.
Murdo Fraser always welcomes feedback from
constituents. He can be contacted at The Control
Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL, by email
on murdo.fraser.msp@parliament.scot or by
telephone on 01738 553676.
John Swinney MSP
Deputy First Minister of Scotland
Scottish National Party
Having recently resigned from the Scottish
Government after spending the past 16
years as a senior Minister, I have now
entered into a phase that offers me a
cherished opportunity: the chance to spend
more time within the constituency I have
been honoured to represent for over 25
years.
To serve in the Scottish Government
was a tremendous privilege, filled with
responsibilities and obligations that allowed
me to contribute to Scotland on a national
level. However, these commitments, while
rewarding, also led to an exceptionally busy
schedule, and naturally this often led to
pressures on my time and availability.
I always prided myself, even whilst in
government, on being an MSP who was both
visible and available to his constituents.
This was for two reasons: firstly, I take my
obligation to serve the people of Perthshire
North very seriously and believe it is
vital that constituents know their MSP is
contactable, approachable and reliable.
Secondly, I have always greatly enjoyed
being active in my local constituency.
Whether it be meeting people, attending
events or assisting constituents with
problems, it is the local aspect of my job that
has always brought me the greatest joy.
Now, without my ministerial responsibilities,
I find myself with more time to be active
within the community, delve into local
matters and ensure that my constituents’
voices are heard and their concerns
addressed. I am taking full advantage of this
new-found free time to ensure that I am
doing all that I can to represent you to the
best of my ability.
I am continuing to regularly hold virtual
appointments and advice surgeries to meet
with constituents and discuss their issues.
For those that prefer to meet face-to-face,
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68 BRDT MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2023