‘Out of bounds’ – Parkrun event could be cancelled after Travellers set up makeshift camp in Torvean Park in Inverness
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This weekend's parkrun event could be cancelled after a group of Travellers set up a “makeshift” camp in Torvean Park in Inverness.
Councillor Duncan Macpherson, who represents residents in the Inverness South ward of Highland Council, said he started to be contacted by locals after the group's arrival earlier this week.
The park was built on the site of the former Torvean Golf Course at a gateway entrance into Inverness which transformed the area into a public asset for residents and visitors to enjoy.
However, Cllr Macpherson has claimed that it has effectively a no go area for local families and added: "Local constituents have been contacting me and my fellow councillors to alert us all to the presence of the large group of Travellers.
"[They were] seeking advice on how to remedy this situation, as the new Torvean Park has effectively become out of bounds for local families to visit and enjoy the amenity, while this makeshift Travellers' camp has been created."
He said when the opportunity arose to create the new park, as a result of the creation of the new King’s Golf Course, local councillors and city planners jumped at the opportunity to make good use of this space for the benefit of the city’s growing population.
"Since its creation and completion last year many people use the new Torvean park for exercise walks, for joggers and runners, families with prams and pushchairs, others to walk their dogs, or to cycle around and others to have a picnic or to sunbathe, as they all enjoy the peace and tranquillity alongside the large pond with all its natural wildlife and habitat," he said.
"The ambience of this newly created idyllic country park in Inverness was shattered this week with the unwelcome arrival of a large group of Travellers who have driven over pavements and pathways and set up camp there.
"The new arrivals of several families with children and barking dogs, appear to have made themselves quite at home, with two washing lines tied between trees, with washing drying in the breeze."
Cllr Macpherson said there had been reports of a quad bike "buzzing around the park" as well as several transit vans, cars and pick-up trucks parked up – with some stuffed full of garden waste and tree cuttings – parked alongside their large touring caravans.
He said: "The occupants appear to be treating it just like a caravan park, with their chairs and sun loungers and drinks cans on display.
"Meanwhile there are two official caravan parks nearby either side of the canal, at Bught Park beside the Inverness Leisure Centre and another at Torvean Caravan Park alongside the original Tomnahurich canal bridge on Glenurquhart Road."
Inverness West Councillor Ryan Mackintosh said: "I do think the council needs to get involved fairly soon and make contact with the Travellers and see if an amicable solution could be found. By establishing a dialogue early I would hope that that form of diplomacy could provide a solution if not other avenues may have to be looked at."
Parkrun is a collection of 5km (3.1 mile) events for walkers, runners and volunteers that take place every Saturday morning at more than 2,000 locations in 22 countries across five continents.
The Torvean Parkrun event moved from its former location at Bught Park to the park last year.
Earlier this week an event spokesman said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances we may have to cancel the Parkrun this Saturday. We will update by the end of the week. The junior parkrun is also affected."
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “The Highland Council is aware of the unauthorised Gypsy/Traveller encampment at Torvean Park. Our staff are liaising with the people involved and progressing the ‘policy on supporting cooperation and managing unauthorised camps’, which sets out the multi-agency responsibilities and arrangements for responding to roadside encampments.
“A copy of the policy can be viewed on our website.”
When the Inverness Courier today approached the Travellers they did not wish to make a statement.
