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Inverness Parkruns cancelled as Travellers’ camp remains on site

The Travellers' camp on the former Torvean golf course led to the cancellation of a parkrun last year
The Travellers' camp on the former Torvean golf course led to the cancellation of a parkrun last year

Organisers of the Torvean Parkrun in Inverness have cancelled the event tomorrow as an unofficial Travellers’ camp remains on the site.

The run was put in doubt earlier this week when the camp appeared on the former golf course where the event is held each Saturday.

A post on social media confirmed the call off. Organisers said: “We regret we have to cancel. Hopefully just this week affected.”

Earlier they said the Travellers’ presence affected the parkrun’s usual route.

Council staff visited the camp site this week

A small camp including six caravans set up a base on the site.

Highland Council staff had spoken to the occupants about the policy on supporting cooperation and managing unauthorised camps.

One of the Travellers told the Press and Journal they expected to leave at the weekend, but did not wish to comment further.

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 park was effectively ‘out of bounds’ for local families while the Travellers’ camp was on the site.

The camp is on the route of the Torvean Parkrun

He said: “Highland Council, like all local authorities, have to go through the government-stated procedures on matters such as these.

“Sadly and frustratingly for the park users it takes a long time.

“I would ask that, before they go, council officers do an inspection of the park and bill for any clean-up.

“It’s very sad that the parkrun has been cancelled. It’s the sort of thing people are being encouraged to do.”

Hundreds take part in parkrun

Mr Macpherson also questioned what provision is being made in Inverness and elsewhere for creating adequate allocated areas for Travellers.

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.

Dozens of youngsters took part in the inaugural run.

Highland Council has been contacted for comment.

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