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Highland Perthshire playgroup blow

The Pitlochry Pre-School Playgroup pictured last year.
The Pitlochry Pre-School Playgroup pictured last year.

One of Scotland’s oldest playgroups has closed its doors due to financial pressures.

Pitlochry Pre-School Playgroup, which operated from the Tryst in the town, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary making it the second oldest in Scotland.

In a statement Fiona Seaton, the playgroup’s manager and senior practitioner announced that it was with “great sadness” that the playgroup was closing with immediate effect.

“I think with the heaviest of hearts I have to put my hands up in defeat of the playgroup being rescued,” she said.

“Those who have been working extremely hard over the last few years will testify to the amount of fundraising which is now required to operate the playgroup; the support from our local businesses and local community has been amazing but there are only so much money and goodwill to go around.

“This is the playgroup’s 51st year and I was very lucky and blessed to have been part of it since arriving as a volunteer student in November 1999.

“I have enjoyed my journey along the years and loved working with so many talented people, committees, staff and parents.”

Local people also took to social media to express their feelings about the news.

“This is such a loss for our local community, children and families past, present and future,” said Alison Craig.

Clare Robertson described it as “sad news for the town” while Stacy Harrower added “such a sad day”.

A sale of toys and other items from the playgroup will take place on Saturday January 21 from 11am to 2pm.

Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said he was “very disappointed” by the news.

“Having attended their 50th anniversary celebrations just last year, celebrating the excellent service that has been provided to the local community over that time, I am sure I will not be alone in expressing my best wishes, and thanks, to everybody who was involved in the running of the playgroup,” he said.

“Hundreds, potentially thousands, of local children will have benefitted from the hard work and commitment of countless volunteers and staff over the years.

“I very much hope the community will not lose out on access to services, particularly the playgroup, but also the local mother and toddler group which will have been a vital resource for many local parents.

“I have made contact with Perth and Kinross Council in relation to this matter, and future provision of services in Pitlochry.”