By Eric Nicolson

AMBITIOUS OUTLINE plans for the £2 million regeneration of Crieff’s MacRosty Park are to be unveiled to councillors tomorrow.

Support is being sought from the Heritage Lottery Fund to transform the park, which was gifted to Crieff in 1902 by James MacRosty “for the purpose of public enjoyment and recreation.”

The report to be put before members of Perth and Kinross Council’s environment committee outlines the management plan for 2008-2013.

This plan forms the basis of the next stage of the bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding to significantly improve and enhance the facilities in the park and safeguard the value of the park as a community resource for the future.

The improvements planned include:

* New play facilities

* Refurbishment and extension of the former tennis pavilion as a building for community use

* Introduction of a part-time green space ranger to co-ordinate community activities

* Work to paths and bridges to improve access to the park’s different attractions

* Restoration of heritage features such as the bandstand

* Car park improvements, including signage

* Planting and woodland management to increase the biodiversity of the park.

The management plan also sets out actions to widen the range of people using MacRosty Park and increase the educational opportunities that it can offer, including proposals to use the park as an outdoor classroom.

The plan has been developed by the council in partnership with the community-based Friends of MacRosty Park group, and through extensive consultation with residents.

Environment convener councillor Alan Grant said, “MacRosty Park is a much-valued resource for the local community in Crieff and the vicinity.

“The management plan sets out ambitious and forward-thinking plans for maintaining and developing the park in the years ahead and I welcome the involvement of local people in developing these proposals.

“Hopefully the management plan will persuade the Heritage Lottery Fund to provide the support needed to deliver this excellent upgrade.”

The council’s bid in March last year was for a total estimated project cost of £1.93 million.

In November, it was given a “stage one pass” for a potential grant of £1,170,000. In addition, development funding of £45,000 was awarded, which is currently being utilised to take the project to the detailed design stage and carry out community engagement work.

The stage two application has to be made at the end of this month.

It is envisaged that the project would start on-site early in 2010, subject to a successful stage two bid and confirmation of support from other funding partners.

Victoria Park in Aberfeldy, Scone Park and Kirkgate Park in Kinross have all been successfully upgraded recently. Larghan Park in Coupar Angus is due to be enhanced later this year.

MacRosty Park is one of the most picturesque public parks in Scotland and draws visitors from a wide area. Much of its infrastructure, however, has reached the end of its useful life.