Parkrun in doubt as Travellers arrive at former golf course location 

When groups of Travellers arrive in any community it does cause a reaction from local residents and this was no different.

They arrived in Inverness earlier this week and set up their makeshift encampment in Torvean Park which was recently created on the site of a former golf course.

Local residents were alarmed and contacted their local councillors which was how we heard about what had happened.

Highland Council was made aware of the situation and was following what were described as “multi-agency responsibilities” which were in place.

However by today the caravans were still in place and, as a result, tomorrow’s Parkrun event was cancelled according to an announcement on Facebook this afternoon.

When I visited the camp on Wednesday the Travellers said they did not wish to make any comment so I made my excuses and left.

It was all very good natured but I could not help but think of the numerous previous occasions where I have been asked to visit Traveller camps over the years with varied responses which I intend to share – including one extreme incident where a machine gun was discovered.

But for starters here are the articles from yesterday’s Highland News and today’s Inverness Courier.

THIS weekend’s Inverness Parkrun event could be cancelled after a group of Travellers set up a “makeshift” camp in Torvean Park. 

Councillor Duncan Macpherson, who represents residents in the Inverness South ward of Highland Council, said he started to be contacted by locals after the group’s arrival earlier this week. 

The park was built on the site of the former Torvean golf course at a gateway entrance into Inverness which transformed the area into a public asset for residents and visitors to enjoy. 

However, Cllr Macpherson has claimed that it has effectively become a no-go area for local families, adding: “Local constituents have been contacting me and my fellow councillors to alert us all to the presence of the large group of Travellers. 

“[They were] seeking advice on how to remedy this situation, as the new Torvean Park has effectively become out of bounds for local families to visit and enjoy the amenity, while this makeshift travellers camp has been created.” 

He said when the opportunity arose to create the new park, as a result of the creation of the new King’s golf course, local councillors and city planners jumped at the opportunity to make good use of this space for the benefit of the city’s growing population. 

“Since its creation and completion last year many people use the new Torvean park for exercise walks, jogging and running, families with prams and pushchairs, others to walk their dogs, or to cycle around and others to have a picnic or to sunbathe, as they all enjoy the peace and tranquillity alongside the large pond with all its natural wildlife and habitat,” he said. 

 “The ambience of this newly created idyllic country park in Inverness was shattered this week with the unwelcome arrival of a large group of travellers who have driven over pavements and pathways and set up camp there.

“The new arrivals of several families with children and barking dogs, appear to have made themselves quite at home, with two washing lines tied between trees, with washing drying in the breeze.”

Cllr Macpherson said there had been reports of a quad bike “buzzing around the park” as well as several vans, cars and pick-up trucks parked up – with some stuffed full of garden waste and tree cuttings – parked alongside their large touring caravans.

He said: “The occupants appear to be treating it just like a caravan park, with their chairs and sun loungers and drinks cans on display.

“Meanwhile, there are two official caravan parks nearby either side of the canal, at Bught Park beside Inverness Leisure and another at Torvean Caravan Park alongside the original Tomnahurich canal bridge on Glenurquhart Road.”

Inverness West councillor Ryan Mackintosh said: “I do think the council needs to get involved fairly soon and make contact with the travellers and see if an amicable solution could be found.

“By establishing a dialogue early, I would hope that that form of diplomacy could provide a solution. If not, other avenues may have to be looked at.”

Parkrun is a collection of 5km (3.1 mile) events for walkers, runners and volunteers that take place every Saturday morning at more than 2000 locations in 22 countries across five continents.

The Inverness Parkrun event moved from its former location at Bught Park to Torvean last year.

Earlier this week an event spokesman said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances we may have to cancel the Parkrun this Saturday. We will update by the end of the week. The junior Parkrun is also affected.”

A Highland Council spokesman said: “The Highland Council is aware of the unauthorised gypsy/traveller encampment at Torvean Park.

“Our staff are liaising with the people involved and progressing the ‘policy on supporting cooperation and managing unauthorised camps’, which sets out the multi-agency responsibilities and arrangements for responding to roadside encampments.”

From the Highland News on Thursday, June 9, 2022.

Travellers stay put at camp

A GROUP of Travellers who set up a makeshift camp in an Inverness park had not moved on yesterday.

The group arrived at Torvean Park earlier this week with their presence prompting members of the public to contact their local councillors.

Highland Council has been made aware of the unauthorised encampment and a spokesman said: “Our staff are liaising with the people involved and progressing the ‘policy on supporting co-operation and managing unauthorised camps’, which sets out the multi-agency responsibilities and arrangements for responding to roadside encampments.”

Inverness resident Peter Campbell contacted the Inverness Courier after visiting the site and said: “We were appalled by what we saw.

“A sprawling camp, barking dogs chained up, rubbish dumped in bushes, adults and children defecating on the edge of the woods in broad daylight.”

He said while they were there a council officer was present and he felt policies should be in place to move such groups on more quickly.

It was feared that tomorrow’s Torvean Parkrun could be cancelled after their arrival, but event director Wendy Skinner said earlier this week it had not yet been called off.

She said: “We are hopeful of the run going ahead – we’re still assessing the situation and will update runners via Facebook on Friday.”

The Inverness Courier approached the Travellers but they did not wish to make a statement.

Councillor Duncan Macpherson, who represents residents in the Inverness South ward of Highland Council, claimed the park was effectively a no-go area for families and added: “Local constituents have been contacting me and my fellow councillors to alert us all to the presence of the large group of travellers.

“[They were] seeking advice on how to remedy this situation, as the new Torvean Park has effectively become out of bounds for local families to visit.”

From The Inverness Courier on  Friday, June 10, 2022.