The popular Parkrun in Inverness has been put at risk this week after an unauthorised Travellers’ camp appeared on the site.
The free weekly event is held at Torvean Park where participants can walk, jog or run 5k over an area created from the former golf course.
But organisers warned on social media that this week’s run may be cancelled “due to unforeseen circumstances”.
They said the junior Parkrun is also affected, although volunteers for the event are still being sought.
Travellers’ camp set up on the site
A group of Travellers have set up a base on the site. Caravans and cars can be seen along with cooking equipment and dog kennels.
Event director Wendy Skinner said: “The Travellers’ presence is currently affecting our usual route.
“But we’re still hopeful of the run going ahead and will be assessing the situation on Friday.”
She said runners will be updated on social media.
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 co-operation and managing unauthorised camps’, which sets out the multi-agency responsibilities and arrangements for responding to roadside encampments.”
The area was turned into a community park as part of the Inverness West Link Phase 2 project and the new Kings Golf Club was established nearby.
Local councillor Duncan Macpherson 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.”
Travellers ‘treating site like a caravan park’
He said a quad bike has been reported as buzzing around the park. Several transit vans, cars and pick-up trucks are also parked up alongside touring caravans.
“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 the Inverness Leisure Centre and another at Torvean Caravan Park alongside the original Tomnahurich canal bridge on Glenurquhart Road.
“Local constituents have been contacting me and my fellow councillors to alert us all to the presence of the large group of Travellers and seeking advice on how to remedy this situation.
“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.”
Mr Macpherson said it is disappointing coming a year after a similar group set up camp in Whin Park car park.
At the time residents complained the encampment made it difficult for people to use the car park and businesses claimed it put off customers.
A Police Scotland spokesman said unless any criminality is reported, it would be for the local authority to look into any concerns regarding encampments.
Parkrun attracts hundreds of participants
The city Parkrun moved to the dedicated new course at Torvean last year and hundreds of people turn up every Saturday to take part.
Last month a junior event was added, for four- to 14-year-olds over a 2km course.
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