C'llr Ian Campbell - June Update

With regards to Highland Perthshire, I had an interesting meeting with Chief Supt Matt Hamilton to discuss the various policing issues within Highland Perthshire and the progress of the new shift system which is resulting in more police on patrol at the times they are needed.

We also discussed the closure of the police house in Kinloch Rannoch and the relocation of the police base to the fire station which I am confident will cause no reduction in police effectiveness.

I also met with Mrs Swan, the headmistress of Breadalbane school and discussed the various issues within the school, new development of the campus and other areas of interest. It was also interesting to note that the last time I was in the ‘heads’ office was nearly 40 years ago!

I attended the senior school prizegiving and was very impressed with the range of activities and breadth of achievement within the school. The afternoon was run and organised by the pupils and was very impressive. Well done to every one involved.

I have attended Rannoch & Tummel, Blair Atholl and Dull & Weem community council meetings this month and am constantly amazed at the range of issues coming forward at these meetings. From problems with the sewage treatment beds at Weem to the Caledonia Etape there was never a dull moment.

Cycle Event

With regard to the Caledonia Etape, I was in Pitlochry at the finish line around lunchtime on the Sunday, by which time around 300 competitors had crossed the line looking wet and all in (rather them than me) but pretty cheery and there’s no doubt that the view of the competitors was that the course was great and a good test of both man and bike. Those that I spoke to were very positive about the whole event and were certainly keen to try again next year.

The organisation at the finish was pretty good with competitors being cleared from the finish area fairly quickly. The number of spectators at the finish was a bit disappointing and apart from a bike tent, a charity tent and a local tourist tent, there was little to keep either cyclists or spectators amused.

It must be said that so far I have had very few people register any complaints with regards to the organisation on the day and, it seems, the pretty efficient running of the whole event.

The real question now, however, is ‘Did we in Highland Perthshire get as much out of it as the participants?’ The council has currently an analysis of the event underway and I will be at the debrief being held shortly by the council’s economic development department.

I suspect that the economic benefit of this event will be fairly small in year one but that that could improve if the event is repeated and the economic development department puts in place measures to raise awareness and interest in the event.

To gain greater economic benefit we need to try and improve the course to accommodate spectators, greater involvement of local people and groups in the organisation and running of the event and more secondary activities based around the event. Ideally we need this to be a festival weekend with the cycle race as a centrepiece but with greater opportunities for local groups and businesses to participate.

I will also want to ensure that the council’s analysis of the event takes into account those issues that were raised prior to the event such as restrictions of movement whether they be of worshippers or those in hotels and guest houses.

It will also be useful if you could participate in Comment’s own questionnaire to help establish as fully as possible the range of views surrounding the event.

The council is now recess for a month or so, but if you have an issue you would like to dicuss with me call me on 07786 173315 or email me at ICampbell@pkc.gov.uk