Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has today expressed dismay at news of a further delay to the new Blairgowrie Recreation Centre.

The centre, originally slated for completion in 2020, has been subject to a series of delays and multi-million pound budget cuts by the Tory council. Opposition to these cuts led to over 1500 local residents signing a petition demanding that the centre be fully funded to the original amount of £17.7m. Despite this, the final level of funding fell significantly short of the original £17.7m. It has now been revealed by Perth and Kinross Council that the centre is unlikely to be completed before 2023.

Commenting, Mr Swinney said:

“I am disappointed, but not surprised, by this latest setback.

“This project has been mismanaged since the Tories came to power in 2017. Indeed, the people of Blairgowrie have been let down not just by the Tories’ obsession with spending cuts, but by their inability to properly deliver this important infrastructure project.

“A significant amount of local goodwill towards this project has now been squandered as a result of Tory incompetence. It is now vital that the administration proactively engage with the local community and take steps to address the very legitimate concerns expressed regarding both the scope and timescale of this project.

“I would encourage the Tory council to take all possible steps to expedite this project. A new recreation centre is too important for the future of Blairgowrie and the surrounding area to be subject to any further delays.”