Caithness MSP welcomes play park funding that will see upgrades in Wick, Thurso and across far north
Maree Todd is pleased that nearly £750,000 has been invested in playparks across the Highlands in the last 12 months.
The SNP MSP said the Scottish Government funding ensures children have safe, high-quality play spaces in their local communities.
At last month’s Caithness area committee, local Highland councillors approved almost £300,000 worth of works on parks in the Thurso and Wick wards.
Ms Todd, the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP, pointed out that nearly £1.7 million has been invested in playparks across Highland, with £732,000 in 2024/25.
The Scottish Government has provided £35 million to renew or improve play parks across the country since May 2021 - £15 million in 2024/25 alone. A total of 887 play parks have been renewed, or were being renewed in Scotland, up to April 2024.
Play parks in Wick, Helmsdale, Brora, Lairg, Invergordon and Alness, have all benefited from this investment, Ms Todd added.
The funding to improve five Caithness play parks will include the full refurbishment of Gillock Park in Thurso and Grizzly Park in Wick, as well as new equipment for Harland Road, Castletown; Dunnet and Scrabster play parks.
Ms Todd said: “The SNP’s commitment to improving play parks for children across Scotland is making a real difference, and I’m pleased to see Highland Council benefiting from this investment.
“It’s fantastic to see so many play parks in my constituency being renewed. Access to quality play spaces is crucial for children’s development, wellbeing, and enjoyment, and this funding is delivering real improvements for families across the Highlands.
“This is an SNP promise that is making a real difference in our communities.”