The temporary stay of a nomadic community at McDiarmid Park, a key sporting venue and landmark in Perth, has concluded. The group, comprising several caravans, had established their presence within the stadium’s expansive car park, situated off Crieff Road, since the preceding weekend.
Observers noted the gradual departure of the vehicles and their occupants overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday morning, marking an end to their multi-day encampment on the football grounds.
The aftermath of the encampment revealed several bags of discarded refuse on the grounds. This necessitates a clean-up operation to restore the car park to its usual pristine condition, ready for upcoming events and match days that draw visitors and supporters from across Perth and Kinross and beyond.
St Johnstone Football Club, which holds ownership of the land at McDiarmid Park, confirmed that it had been actively liaising with the relevant council departments regarding the situation. However, the club opted not to issue any further public commentary on the matter, adhering to its policy on such sensitive issues. This approach is common among private landowners when navigating situations involving unsanctioned land use.
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council addressed the situation, confirming their official recognition of the gathering as an “unauthorised encampment.” This designation is a standard administrative term used by local authorities to describe temporary settlements on land without the express permission of the landowner. The council’s role in such instances typically involves monitoring the situation, conducting welfare assessments, and following legal procedures to ensure an appropriate resolution. Local Provisions for Nomadic Communities
It is important to note that Perth and Kinross already has dedicated facilities designed to accommodate members of the travelling community. These established sites serve as official and regulated stopping places, offering essential services and a stable environment. The two principal permanent locations are Double Dykes, situated within the Perth urban area, and Bobbin Mill, which lies further north near the picturesque town of Pitlochry. These sites are equipped to provide basic amenities and aim to foster positive relations between the settled and nomadic populations, helping to prevent the need for impromptu encampments in undesignated areas like public car parks or recreational grounds. Broader Implications for Community and Land Use
The presence of an unauthorised encampment at a site as significant as McDiarmid Park inevitably sparks discussion among local residents and businesses. Concerns frequently revolve around the potential for disruption to regular activities, the costs associated with clean-up, and the broader management of public and private spaces. For St Johnstone FC, the car park is not merely a parking facility but also a vital operational area, integral to match-day logistics and community programming. Its temporary occupation could impact scheduled activities or require logistical adjustments, highlighting the practical challenges posed by such unpermitted uses.
The swift resolution of this particular encampment, with the group moving on voluntarily, is a positive outcome for all parties. It minimises the need for more protracted legal processes and allows for a quicker return to normal operations for the football club and unimpeded public access to the facility.
This incident also serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between land ownership rights, community access, and the unique needs of nomadic groups. Local authorities across Perth and Kinross regularly manage such occurrences, balancing legal responsibilities with a commitment to human welfare. The existence of official traveller sites underscores an effort to provide structured solutions, although challenges remain in ensuring these are always utilized and that unauthorised settlements are managed effectively and humanely. The dialogue around these issues remains a continuous part of local governance and community relations in the region.
The attention brought by this event, while brief, will likely reinforce the ongoing need for clear communication, robust management strategies, and continued investment in appropriate facilities to support all communities residing in or passing through Perth and Kinross.
Observers noted the gradual departure of the vehicles and their occupants overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday morning, marking an end to their multi-day encampment on the football grounds.
The aftermath of the encampment revealed several bags of discarded refuse on the grounds. This necessitates a clean-up operation to restore the car park to its usual pristine condition, ready for upcoming events and match days that draw visitors and supporters from across Perth and Kinross and beyond.
St Johnstone Football Club, which holds ownership of the land at McDiarmid Park, confirmed that it had been actively liaising with the relevant council departments regarding the situation. However, the club opted not to issue any further public commentary on the matter, adhering to its policy on such sensitive issues. This approach is common among private landowners when navigating situations involving unsanctioned land use.
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council addressed the situation, confirming their official recognition of the gathering as an “unauthorised encampment.” This designation is a standard administrative term used by local authorities to describe temporary settlements on land without the express permission of the landowner. The council’s role in such instances typically involves monitoring the situation, conducting welfare assessments, and following legal procedures to ensure an appropriate resolution. Local Provisions for Nomadic Communities
It is important to note that Perth and Kinross already has dedicated facilities designed to accommodate members of the travelling community. These established sites serve as official and regulated stopping places, offering essential services and a stable environment. The two principal permanent locations are Double Dykes, situated within the Perth urban area, and Bobbin Mill, which lies further north near the picturesque town of Pitlochry. These sites are equipped to provide basic amenities and aim to foster positive relations between the settled and nomadic populations, helping to prevent the need for impromptu encampments in undesignated areas like public car parks or recreational grounds. Broader Implications for Community and Land Use
The presence of an unauthorised encampment at a site as significant as McDiarmid Park inevitably sparks discussion among local residents and businesses. Concerns frequently revolve around the potential for disruption to regular activities, the costs associated with clean-up, and the broader management of public and private spaces. For St Johnstone FC, the car park is not merely a parking facility but also a vital operational area, integral to match-day logistics and community programming. Its temporary occupation could impact scheduled activities or require logistical adjustments, highlighting the practical challenges posed by such unpermitted uses.
The swift resolution of this particular encampment, with the group moving on voluntarily, is a positive outcome for all parties. It minimises the need for more protracted legal processes and allows for a quicker return to normal operations for the football club and unimpeded public access to the facility.
This incident also serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between land ownership rights, community access, and the unique needs of nomadic groups. Local authorities across Perth and Kinross regularly manage such occurrences, balancing legal responsibilities with a commitment to human welfare. The existence of official traveller sites underscores an effort to provide structured solutions, although challenges remain in ensuring these are always utilized and that unauthorised settlements are managed effectively and humanely. The dialogue around these issues remains a continuous part of local governance and community relations in the region.
The attention brought by this event, while brief, will likely reinforce the ongoing need for clear communication, robust management strategies, and continued investment in appropriate facilities to support all communities residing in or passing through Perth and Kinross.