Kinross
The former Burgh of Kinross is a historic market town 17 miles south of Perth, just to the east of the M90. The town enjoys a stunning setting, surrounded by hills and nestling by Loch Leven, the largest loch in the Scottish Lowlands. The Loch is forever linked to a dramatic piece of Scots history when, in 1568, Mary Queen of Scots escaped from Loch Leven Castle on Castle Island, after a year's imprisonment.
Signs of Iron Age human settlement are evident from the remains of a crannog in the loch. The burial ground at the east end of the park was the site of the original 12th century settlement of Kinross before the movement of townsfolk to a new site further to the west was encouraged in the 17th century. This allowed an undisturbed setting for Kinross House. The burial ground itself gives a fascinating insight into the history of the various trades of the Kinross townspeople, and the associated Watchtower, built to deter grave robbers, is a 'C' Listed building.
Kirkgate Park
Unique, irreplaceable
Kirkgate Park is the main public open space in Kinross and lies to the south-east of the town, its grassy banks running down to a stretch of one of the northern shorelines of Loch Leven. The park is part of the estate of Kinross House, seat of the Montgomery family, though it has been leased to the local authority for public recreation for the best part of a century.
The 7-hectare site is situated mostly on land reclaimed in the mid 19th century when the water level of the loch was lowered.
The Loch is internationally renowned as a breeding site and migratory destination for thousands of wildfowl and it holds various designations which reflect its importance to nature conservation. It was declared a National Nature Reserve in 1964 and is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Kirkgate Park lies within the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve.
A variety of activities are currently enjoyed in the park - dog walking, children's play and games, informal walking, wildlife watching and picnicking. There is also general enjoyment of the special character of the open space. Both annual and one-off events take advantage of the large area of flat grassy space.
The Project in Context
Jigsaw must fit and present what is best.
The area surrounding the park is subject to several other initiatives for improvement and development:
The Rural Access Committee of Kinross-shire (TRACKS) is developing the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, a multi-user path around the loch with interpretation boards, which will cross the park.
The Kinross-shire Partnership is developing plans for a major tourist visitor centre, adjacent to the park at the Fishing Pier, which will be based on the Mary Queen of Scots story and the history of Loch Leven Castle as well as the natural heritage elements of the loch.
SNH has prepared Interim Access Guidelines in line with the Land Reform Act 2003. Kirkgate Park is a suggested access point to the loch. Interpretation and management is also being reviewed.
Friends of Kirkgate Park
We gather the interest of neighbours and mums. Community Councillors keen to see done.
During the summer of 2003 Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) carried out a systematic review of the play facilities throughout the authority area and this resulted in most of the play equipment in Kirkgate Park being removed due to it’s state of repair. This lack of equipment highlighted the need for an overhaul of the park and several groups within Kinross began working towards this objective. The 'Friends of Kirkgate Park' (FoKP) brought together several groups, concerned parents and numerous local residents. A single partnership was formed whose aim is to improve Kirkgate Park and encourage its use by all. This was done with the full support of Perth & Kinross Council.
Bodies with Representation on the Friends of Kirkgate Group
Kinross Community Council
KCC ascertains, co-ordinates and expresses the views of residents to the local authorities. It produces a monthly 40-page Newsletter, which provides a forum for discussion of local issues. The Community Council is also joint sponsor, along with the Kinross-shire Partnership, of the Kinross.cc website, which seeks to encourage tourism and provide information for local residents.
Local Perth and Kinross Councillor
George Hayton represents the Kinross Town ward and attended early meetings of FoKP.
KIB is a constituted voluntary environmental improvement body, working with local business, schools, and residents to improve the visual amenity of the town.
Partners
Perth and Kinross Council
P & KC is the unitary authority with responsibility for outside leisure and recreation. It leases the park and is responsible for its maintenance.
Kinross Estate Company
KEC owns the Kirkgate Park.
Scottish Natural Heritage
SNH was established to secure the conservation and enhancement of Scotland's unique and precious natural heritage - the wildlife, the habitats and the landscapes which have evolved in Scotland through the long partnership between people and nature. SNH is responsible for managing the NNR.
The Rural Access Committee for Kinross-shire
TRACKS is a Scottish charity which has forged close links with community groups and has successfully identified and carried out projects to enhance the local environment of Kinross-shire and Glenfarg.
The Kinross-shire Partnership
KP is a company limited by guarantee established in 1998. Its objectives are to identify, promote and encourage opportunities for economic and tourist development, community recreational facilities and environmental improvements in Kinross-shire. Also to promote other projects for the well-being of the County and to support and co-ordinate groups currently engaged in such activities. Perth and Kinross Council Environment Services has committed 185,000 for this project. This is on the basis that this community initiative will attract additional partnership funding.
|
