Latest news with #andKinrossCouncil
The Courier
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Courier
Iconic Perthshire diner The Horn could be replaced and 2 further restaurants built on A90
An iconic Perthshire diner could be replaced by a newer cafe as part of a plan to create a service station on the A90. A PAN (planning application notice) has been lodged for land 200 metres west of Horn Farm Cottage, near Errol. It says The Horn diner could be replaced and an additional two drive-through restaurants built nearby. In a Facebook post, Carse of Gowrie councillor Alasdair Bailey (Labour) revealed the proposal, which also includes a hotel, a solar farm and a petrol station, with electric vehicle charging facilities. The site would also require a new 'access spine road' and car parking. An overnight car park for heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and a welfare building are also included in the scheme. The proposed solar farm would provide up to 2MW of battery energy storage. The first of two pre-application public events is set to take place at Errol Village Hall on August 28. A formal planning application is then expected to be submitted to Perth and Kinross Council. The scheme is in the same location as a proposed service station that received planning permission in 2017. The £1 million plan would have seen The Horn move to a new 'fit for purpose' site 100 metres from the existing building. However, permission expired in 2022 and the famous roadside diner has remained in the same location. The Horn was established in 1960 as a 'tartan shed', with the current building constructed in 1973. The venue has become a famous Tayside landmark due to its iconic cow positioned above its front door. It has also appeared on television shows including ITV's Good Morning Britain and Channel 4's Taskmaster. The diner has also hosted several film sets, with four visiting the site in 2021 alone. Its location just south of the A90 means it is a popular stopping point for famous faces and other motorists travelling from Aberdeen to Edinburgh or Glasgow. The Horn Milk Bar declined to comment when approached by The Courier.
The Courier
20-05-2025
- The Courier
Pitlochry pensioner injured and pet terrier savaged in doorstep attack by 'bully' dogs
A Perthshire pensioner says his pet terrier is lucky to be alive after they were attacked on their own doorstep by two bully-type dogs. Norman Hawkes claims he was knocked to the ground by one of the animals while the other seized his own dog by the throat and abdomen. Twelve-year-old Misty needed surgery to stitch her wounds. Norman, 79, says his beloved pet is traumatised and he is furious. 'She was covered in blood,' he said. 'The wee soul didn't deserve that. 'She could have been killed.' Norman called 999 following the incident. Police say their inquiries are continuing, while Perth and Kinross Council's dog warden is also investigating. The ordeal unfolded as Norman was letting Jack Russell terrier Misty out into the back garden of their Kennedy Place home around 10pm on Sunday. 'I'd barely got the door open and the bigger of the two dogs was in like a shot and on top of my wee dog,' he said. 'Then the female jumped in and knocked me flat on my back to get to Misty, and she started on her too.' Norman says the couple who were with the dogs managed to drag them off, but not before Misty was badly injured. 'She had a big gash on her neck and puncture wounds,' he said. 'I've hurt my back too. 'The woman tried to help me up, but the man said it was him who was bleeding. 'It wasn't. It was blood off my dog. Misty was covered in it.' He added: 'I went back in shaking, and my wife was in tears. 'I'm still raging.' Norman's wife Cathy took Misty to the vet. She had her wounds stitched on Monday morning and returned home to recover in the afternoon. The couple will now have to pay a vet's bill amounting to close to a thousand pounds. And Norman says they're scared to let Misty out into her own back garden. 'We'll have to take her somewhere else,' he said. 'I've been round all the neighbours and told them to watch out.' Perth and Kinross Council says its dog control team is aware of Norman's report and is working with the police. A Police Scotland spokesperson told The Courier: 'Around 10.35pm on Sunday May 18 2025, officers received a report of a dog having been attacked by two other dogs on Kennedy Place, Pitlochry. 'Inquiries are ongoing.'
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Perth and Kinross Council recognises 300th anniversary of Black Watch
The regiment was formed in 1775 and has historic links with Perth and Kinross Perth and Kinross Council has this week recognised "the fearless and renowned reputation" of the Black Watch as it celebrates its 300th anniversary. The regiment has had 151 battle honours since it was first formed in 1775. On Wednesday, May 7 councillors unanimously offered its full support to all veterans, and their families. Armed Forces and Veterans champion Chris Ahern asked councillors to support the motion at a meeting of Perth and Kinross Council, on Wednesday, May 7. Tabling the motion, the Perth City Centre Conservative councillor Chris Ahern said: "The 300th anniversary of the Black Watch is something we can be proud of in Perth, given it's historical links to Perth and Perth and Kinross. "Perth was the home of the regimental depot (including the museum) until 1961, and continued to be the home of the regimental headquarters and museum. "In 1947 the regiment received the Freedom of Perth." The regiment's history dates back to General George Wade - who formed watches to patrol the Highlands following the 1715 Jacobite rebellion. The Black Watch went on to be involved in the Battle of Fontenoy, the American War of Independence, the Battle of Waterloo, both World Wars and many historic battles. The regiment also played a key role following JFK's assassination. Bailie Ahern told councillors: "In 1963, the Black Watch pipes and drums and military band toured the USA and were invited to play at the White House. Nine days later, President Kennedy was assassinated and Jacqueline Kennedy requested that the Black Watch pipe major and eight pipers play at the funeral—they led the cortège from the White House to Washington Cathedral." He added: "Many changes and reforms have impacted the Black Watch over the centuries, including the highly controversial merger in 2006 of the distinct Scottish regiments into the Royal Regiment of Scotland. We must never forget the names of those regiments lost in that merger." Conservative group leader John Duff seconded the motion to celebrate the "extraordinary legacy of one of Scotland's most distinguished regiments". He added: "Since its formation in 1725 during a time of instability in the Highlands, it has been synonymous with fierce courage, unfailing discipline and an enduring sense of duty to Crown and country. The Black Watch stands proudly among the roll of famous British and Scottish regiments and takes its name – Am Freiceadan Dubh in Gaelic, or the Black Watch – from its distinctive dark green and black regimental tartan." The Highland Perthshire councillor shared his own special memory of the Black Watch, as a schoolboy in Aberfeldy. Cllr Duff said: "The regiment's connection to Aberfeldy is part of the town's rich and proud heritage and, as a 10-year-old boy, I can vividly remember Saturday, September 5, 1970 when the Freedom of the Burgh of Aberfeldy was conferred on the regiment. A large crowd gathered in the area around the Black Watch monument on a beautiful sunny day to watch the ceremony." He added: "Over the period of 300 years, the Black Watch has gained a reputation for their Highland honour, fearless gallantry, discipline on the battlefield and indisputable loyalty. It is testament to the courage and sacrifice shown by soldiers of the Black Watch that they have been awarded no fewer than 14 Victoria Crosses - Britain's highest military decoration for valour. "The Black Watch has been at the forefront of military service both in the darkest hours of war and in a peacekeeping role, in lands at home and abroad, from the Highlands of Scotland to the fields of Waterloo, from the Western Front to the hills of Korea and the streets of Basra."
The Courier
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Perth Christmas lights: Council wins claim for cancelled switch-on
Council chiefs will get £97,000 back in insurance after they had to cancel the Christmas lights switch-on in Perth. Last year's event was scheduled for the weekend of November 23 and 24. But it was axed over fears about the impact of Storm Bert. Perth and Kinross Council later told The Courier it had spent a total of £114,941.51 on activities for the showcase. The authority's chief finance officer has now confirmed its insurance claim has been accepted. In a report to the council's finance and resources committee on Wednesday, Scott Walker wrote: 'The council has now received notification that the claim has been approved and the sum of £97,000 will be paid. 'As previously agreed by the committee, when received, this amount will be applied to an earmarked reserve for future events to augment activity in the future.' German dance trio Cascada had been due to take to the main stage on Tay Street before Storm Bert blew in. A firework and pyrotechnics display was also scheduled. Entertainment was planned in George Street, St John Street, High Street, Mill Street, and St Paul's Church. And a lantern parade was also expected to take place before the decision was taken to cancel the event due to travel and structural concerns. Perth was hit with heavy snow on the Saturday morning and roads around the city suffered disruption. The Christmas cabins and Santa Grotto remained in place throughout the festive period. The council said in January it had submitted an insurance claim. Last year's Perth Christmas lights switch-on was destined to be a more modest affair than in previous years. The council spent £126,092 in 2023, when X Factor star Chico and Boney M were the main attractions. It spent £168,748 in 2022 and £102,950 in 2021 when activities were still restricted due to Covid. The 2019 celebration cost £219,802 and featured acts such as Atomic Kitten and Basil Brush.
