22-05-2025
Unpopular Balmuir Wood a ‘concern' in tackling unauthorised Angus Traveller camps
The unpopularity of Balmuir Woods Travellers' site remains a 'concern' for Angus Council in tackling unauthorised encampments in the area.
The Tealing facility sits within Angus, but is managed under a longstanding agreement by Dundee City Council.
We recently revealed how the site beside the A90 had been barely occupied since 2019.
It was empty for 17 months out of 72. That was despite more than £300,000 being spent on the 14-pitch site.
And this month Dundee councillors agreed to spend a further £230,000 on upgrades.
Balmuir was highlighted as Angus communities committee members agreed minor amendments to the authority's policy for the management of unauthorised Gypsy/Traveller camps.
In 2024/25, there were 11 across Angus. Some were only for a few days, but the longest was in place for 12 weeks.
Infrastructure director Graeme Dailly told this week's meeting: 'The most common stopping places are Montrose, Brechin and Edzell.
'Though in recent years, a number of encampments have stopped in Forfar.'
He also revealed the traditional April to September travelling season now extends from January to November.
Angus has an official Travellers' site at Montrose, but it is permanently full.
Community enforcement team leader Isla Davidson said Travellers were not keen on Balmuir.
'It's not a particularly popular site,' she said.
'We've struggled in the past in encouraging encampments to go there.
'That and the fact it can be populated by tenants from the Dundee area as well.
'The idea there isn't a provision we can point people towards in Angus is a concern.'
The official also said Angus is awaiting the results of a pilot programme around negotiated stopping places for Travellers.
Perth and Kinross is one of three Scottish councils involved in the Scottish Government scheme.
It aims to allow Travellers to negotiate with local authorities for safe, limited-time stopping places on suitable land, while adhering to codes of conduct and accessing necessary services.
Councillors were told there are no plans for any sites in the scheme at this stage.
Angus and Dundee have already seen Traveller camps cause disruption this summer.
One in Camperdown Park led to the city's parkrun being cancelled earlier this month.
