Perth and Kinross sports clubs prepare to welcome players back as lockdown set to be eased

Recycling centres also to reopen from Thursday (May 28)

As Thursday, May 28 nears, sports clubs and facilities across Perth and Kinross are gearing up to reopen as the region approaches phase one of the coronavirus lockdown exit strategy.

Residents being allowed to meet up with people from other households outdoors is one of many new measures set to be introduced gradually to the public from this Thursday as part of the Scottish Government’s four-phase ‘route map’.

The first phase will see more outdoor activities allowed like golf, fishing, bowls and tennis being permitted again, as well as the reopening of garden centres and recycling facilities.

Among those is King James VI Golf Club, which will reopen on Friday at 8am for members only, where the tee times have “filled up quickly”.

However, the club will set out a number of restrictions and guidelines for the safety of players.

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Club captain David Angus said: “We have been anticipating a start date and have advised our members that providing we get the go-ahead this Thursday from the Scottish Government, then we will be open for golf at 8am to members only.

“The procedures are fairly simple, but do take account of our unique setting.

“We have social distance signing, provided by local company DAS Signs, dotted around the clubhouse and locker areas.

“The membership are itching to get back to playing and there has been a real buzz around the news that we will open on Friday.

“The tee times have filled up quickly and hopefully they’ll enjoy the course.

“We’ll also look to provide some refreshments as we understand what we can and can’t do but for now it’s just a relief to be able to get golf playing again – we’ve lost two months but we’ve found a tremendous spirit in the club.”

Crieff Hydro Hotel is making preparations to reopen its Culcreiff Golf Club.

The Crieff Hydro golf facilities will also reopen on Friday with social distancing rules in play and will be available from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.

Richard Leckie, action glen manager at Crieff Hydro Hotel, said: “This is an exciting move, not only for golf lovers but for local people to the resort who are keen to get active and spend some time outdoors. Our parents go free with our new kids’ pass adds a great value element as well.”

Kinnoull Tennis Club is also planning to reopen “subject to the first minister’s announcement on Thursday”.

A spokesperson added: “We are adhering to the Tennis Scotland advice with social distancing, players bringing hand gel and not sharing balls.

“We will be inviting people to join the club and members will be able to book courts electronically via the website.

“Priority will be given to members initially for the first few weeks. Non members will be welcome after that.”

Perth and Kinross Council has also announced that recycling centres in the region will reopen from June 1 for domestic waste.

However, it has warned that if the restrictions put in place are not adhered to then the centres may be closed again.

Normal opening hours will apply but, initially, the series of restrictions will be in place to protect PKC staff and members of the public.

PKC’s head of environmental and consumer services Mark Butterworth said: “We are pleased that we will soon be able to reopen our recycling centres, but this must be handled responsibly to ensure the safety of the public and our staff.

“People visiting centres can expect some queuing and we would ask them to only use the recycling centres if absolutely necessary.

“While this will be frustrating, we are trying to manage the reopening in the best way possible. Please don’t have a mass clear out now that the sites are reopening.

“If people do have to visit a recycling centre and there are queues, it will be essential to be patient while waiting, or to return when it is less busy.

“Perth and Kinross residents have shown our staff tremendous support during the lockdown and we expect this will continue when our centres reopen.”

Members of the public are asked to continue to store bulky items or waste generated from DIY, home clearance or garden projects, as these items will not be accepted at this time.

Visit www.pkc.gov.uk/recyclingcentres for opening hours.

Commercial customers go to www.pkc.gov.uk/tradewastenews for information on waste and recycling disposal.

Residents can also go to www.pkc.gov.uk/coronavirus/waste for a list of frequently asked questions.

Roseanna Cunningham, MSP for the Perthshire South and Kinross-shire constituency, said: “The lockdown has been a hugely important stage in controlling the spread of the virus but we can’t live this way forever and everyone wants to get back to some sense of normality as quickly as is safely possible.

“While we need to move carefully and gradually, the route map laid out by the first minister clearly sets out the steps that will take us there.

“Although the weekly numbers of deaths are falling, every death from this virus is a death too many and we cannot risk another peak – so every move we make must be in line with our own circumstances.”