Strathmore & The Glens Rural Partnership
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Strathmore
& the Glens Rural partnership
Strathmore
& the Glens Rural Partnership wish to make the following statement: There
have been a lot of press reports recently about a Game Town development in
Blairgowrie. Strathmore & the
Glens Rural Partnership is the forum in which the idea and proposals about the
Game Town are currently being discussed. However,
it must be publicly stated that the press reports about the Game Town, unless
otherwise stated, have not emanated from the Rural Partnership and they do not
represent that organisation’s views or policies. The name ‘Game
Town’ is a working title to a concept encompassing all outdoor activities,
including field sports, and we are at present in the process of consulting with
local organisations and businesses for their feedback. This is intended to encourage visitors and tourists thereby
improving the regional economy. To
maximise this what is to be offered must appeal to as many visitors as possible.
The term ‘Game Town’ can have emotional connotations not always well
received and focussing on the traditional hunting and fishing interpretation
risks alienating many people, including some locals.
It should also be recognised that there is a growing ground swell of
opinion against such activities among those less well acquainted with the
countryside who unfortunately will be the visitors we need.
Therefore it is essential that we capitalise on all the other aspects of
outdoor pursuits such as walking, climbing, boating, mountaineering, bird
watching, and so on to complement what we have. This way a more rounded picture of the countryside is
promulgated. A major
factor that has to be taken into account is land access which may have major
implications for landowners. One
significant factor that inhibits and discourages visitors is the attitude to
land access. While it is important
during rearing and shooting seasons to control and limit wider land use it does
alienate many potential visitors and ways must be found of accommodating all
strands of interest. We feel it is
important that we obtain broad base support in the area, land owners, town
dwellers and workers are all involved and it is in the wider interest of all
that more visitors are encouraged. Some members
of the public, perversely or otherwise are thinking that ‘Game Town’ means a
proliferation of bingo halls, casinos and computer game shops! At the other extreme it has even been suggested that all the
wildlife in the area is going to be shot into extinction.
Clearly a period of education and information is required to correct the
misconception. The
Partnership is involved in a step-by-step process of disseminating information
and holding consultations with the local community and other organisations.
The Game Town proposal is not set in concrete and nothing is included or
excluded. Mike
Cuthbert, as Guest Speaker, will be
leading a full discussion on the initiative at our forthcoming Annual General
Meeting to be held at 7.30pm on Monday, 10 March at the Rosemount Golf Hotel to
which all persons are invited.
If you would like any further information on the work of Strathmore & the Glens Rural Partnership please do not hesitate to contact Sue Cole on 01828 640763 or email sue@strathmoreglens.sol.co.uk.
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