Carse of Gowrie path would be a lasting legacy of Errol local hero
Perth and Kinross Council has submitted a substantial bid to the Scottish Government to make Roger Humphry's vision a reality
A Carse of Gowrie councillor believes it is "imperative" a Carse of Gowrie path is finished to honour the efforts of environmental activist Roger Humphry.
Roger - who died suddenly but peacefully in April - worked "tirelessly" to create a shared use path for cyclists, walkers and other users between Errol and Grange.
Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) has submitted a £100,000 bid to the Scottish Government for support in making Roger's wish a reality.
A report on PKC's Active Travel Prioritisation Delivery Plan by Road Safety project officer Blair Watt details how the Traffic and Network team has submitted six bids to the Tier 2 Active Travel Infrastructure Fund 2025/26. And one of them is a £100,000 bid for a Stage 3-4 design bid for the Errol to Grange corridor. The proposed path already has significant funding and securing this bid would help progress the project.
The report will go before PKC's Environment and Infrastructure Committee for consideration on Wednesday, May 28.
Conservative councillor Angus Forbes would like to see the path completed "not just for Roger's sake but to create his vision for a more connected and active community".
He believes the bid is a direct result of the "tireless" efforts of the Carse of Gowrie Path Group, and specifically the late Roger Humphry.
Cllr Forbes said: "I am absolutely delighted that Perth and Kinross Council - subject to approval at committee this week - is moving forward with this bid for £100,000 to advance the Carse of Gowrie path.
"This is fantastic news for our community and a testament to the incredible hard work and dedication of the Carse of Gowrie Group. Their commitment to improving active travel options for residents has been unwavering."
He added: "It is poignant that we are now at a stage where we can push to continue this path, a project so close to Roger's heart.
"Roger was an extraordinary individual who poured so much of his time and energy into making this path a reality for the Carse of Gowrie. It is imperative that we finish this path, not just for Roger's sake but to create his vision for a more connected and active community."
The Carse of Gowrie Group - which Roger was part of - has been developing and improving paths across the Carse for years. Roger - who served as both co-convenor and vice-convenor of the Perth and Kinross branch of the Scottish Greens - was passionate about using more sustainable means of travel.
Cllr Forbes added: "I am confident that this funding, if successful, will make a real difference to the lives of Carse of Gowrie residents. It will provide a safe and enjoyable route for people to get around and promote healthier lifestyles. Whilst this is a significant piece of funding, there is still more to find and we'll keep looking at every opportunity for additional funding."
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