Whin Park café owners in Inverness talk of 'difficult year'

The owners of the popular café at Whin Park in Inverness say invitation to pay parking has had a negative impact.

A popular spot to pick up an ice cream or juice, the owners of the cafe at Whin Park say invitation to pay parking at the adjacent car park plus a wait for revitalised play equipment have both had an impact on trading this year.

Mother and son co-owensr Bet and Gus Macdonald said: “The new parking meters in place (invitation to pay) which we have received many many comments about – none positive – and the lack of functioning play equipment has made this a very difficult trading year indeed."

In common with a number of other sites in and around Inverness drivers using the Whin Park car park are given the opportunity to pay if they wish, with signage putting forward suggested amounts depending on length of stay. Drivers who do not pay, however, will not be penalised for that.

There have been suggestions, however, that some drivers are put off visiting certain sites such as the park in the mistaken belief that parking charges are mandatory.

Confirmation of £150,000 of funding to implement improvements to the park is expected in November.

The Macdonalds said: “We believe a decision is due to be made in the autumn regarding the funds/work and we are hopeful this will be in place and work completed by next spring.

“It would be wonderful to see Whin Park return to its former glory and a park Inverness can be proud of again.”

• £150,000 Whin Park play equipment cash decision set to be deferred by Highland councillors?

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