Blairgowrie & Rattray Hub Magazine Winter 2023

children and young people in the town for
many generations to come. I can’t help but
think previous generations of Guiders, and
there were a couple who played a part in
the process of raising funds for the new hall,
would be giving all involved in the project
a firm pat on the back. To everyone who
supported that project – donated, bought
coffee at a coffee morning, or supported in
any way - thank you. A recent survey showed
that youngsters who have participated in
organisations such as Girl Guides develop
confidence and life-skills and, as someone
who hugely benefited from this organisation,
I know the positives it can bring. The hall is
available to rent for parties, groups or other
activities. What an asset to the town. Over
in Rattray, plans are afoot for the next phase
at the football facility at Davie Park. Another
exciting and positive development which is
written about elsewhere in this magazine.
In less positive news – I am disappointed that
the future of public toilet provision remains
in doubt. As part of cuts at the budget last
year, the council administration are moving
to close the loos from the end of March. I did
not support this proposal and would never
support closure. I believe they are facilities
which, although costly, are essential in the
community. I am a pragmatist though and will
work with the community to look at options.
In my opinion this is a service the council
should provide, and I hope that the council
may reconsider this decision.
Finally, can I wish everyone a very happy
Christmas. I hope that we can all support local
businesses this festive period and our High
Street – which despite all the challenges of
online retail – offers a great range of shops,
cafes and other businesses. Think local first
and see what is on offer.
This year has been another difficult one for
many. There is support and advice available
and I met recently with Citizens Advice in
Perth and heard of the work they, and the
PKC welfare rights team do. I am sure we all
hope that 2024, when it arrives, will be a more
prosperous one for our community as we seek
to continue to make Blairgowrie and Glens
a better place for everyone to live, work and
visit.
I can be contacted on 01828 640181 (h) 01738
553990 (o) or email cshiers@pkc.gov.uk or via
Messenger
Murdo Fraser MSP
Mid-Scotland & Fife Region
Scottish Conservative and
Unionist Party
We will soon be approaching winter with many
of us looking forward to Christmas and to
spending valuable time with family and friends.
It has been a busy time at the Scottish
Parliament dealing with parliamentary
business along with constituents’ queries.
One local issue has caused a lot of concern
for some residents. The decision by Perth and
Kinross Council to cut the opening hours of
the Blairgowrie Recycling Centre from seven
days a week to five and also reduce the hours
it is open by three per week has led to a lot of
anguish from residents.
The site was one of six recycling centres in the
region to have its hours cut from October 1.
Local residents have rightly been concerned
by the cuts to the opening hours, with some
telling me of the “chaos” that ensued, with long
traffic queues on the approach road to the site.
Some constituents have also expressed their
fears that some people will end up fly-tipping
their rubbish due to the inconvenience of
the restricted opening hours at the recycling
centre. Our local councillors have raised
concerns about this move as it is imperative
that residents have sufficient time to dispose
of their recycling.
Rest assured it is an issue that I will be keeping
a close eye on.
Another local issue that needs addressed is
the proposal to close attended public toilets
in Perth and Kinross, with Blairgowrie being
one of the sites earmarked for closure. Such
has been the outcry about this that Perth
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68 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023