Dunkeld and its surrounding area are always extremely busy at this time of year which is unsurprising, because of the natural beauty it has in abundance. The influx of visitors which Dunkeld welcomes and thrives on can also lead to problems.
Recently my inbox has contained complaints about inconsiderate parking in both Dunkeld and Birnam. I have asked Officers firstly to have the existing double yellow lines and edges of the roads swept so that these lines are easily visible and that Parking Attendants can enforce the parking restrictions we already have. The Road Safety Team have agreed to set up an onsite meeting with residents and businesses to see if agreement can be reached on a solution for the parking issues.
Another hot topic locally is the proliferation of short-term lets in the area. To this end the Council has introduced a consultation for people to give their views on whether a control zone for short-term lets should be introduced in Highland Perthshire including Dunkeld. All the details, and the survey link, can be found at https://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/23400/Residents-urged-to-have-say-on-Short-Term-Lets. I have completed the 5 minute survey myself and would urge everyone who has a view on this issue, either way, to take part in it.
All three Ward Councillors have written to the Transport Minister urging action and asking for a meeting regarding both the on/off junctions from the A9 at Dunkeld and Birnam. Ian, Claire and I co-signed the letter and it is an example of how we work in a non-political fashion for the benefit of residents and I am happy to say that this is how we carry out all our Ward business.
Good news for Perth and Kinross is the announcement that the waste contract with Paprec Energies Binn Ltd has been signed. This contract will enable an investment of £90M by Paprec Energies Binn Ltd in a new waste to energy facility in Perth and Kinross with the resultant provision of new jobs both in the construction and operation of the facility.
Now to the apologies. Firstly, I apologise for the delays that are occurring on the A9 resulting from the construction of the CTLR. I am often caught in these myself but I firmly believe that the temporary disruption will be far outweighed by the future long-term benefits of this new piece of infrastructure.
Secondly, the long running saga of the extra EV charging points in the North Car Park. Over the last 18 months I have been given many final installation dates by Officers and outside bodies which have not happened. I have often passed on these supposed completion dates and then residents rightly feel let down as well. Therefore it is again with a leap of faith, that I expect these EV chargers to be functioning very soon.
Enjoy the rest of the Summer everyone.

Councillor Grant Laing