This year, The Gannochy Trust is celebrating 100 years since A.K Bell completed the first Gannochy homes back in 1924. The housing estate was way ahead of its time, providing spacious, well-ventilated homes of impeccable design, to the community of Perth. Fast forward 100 years and the Trust continues to build on A.K Bell’s legacy with the launch of a new playpark at The Curly.
Over 60 tenants and members of the community gathered on Friday to mark the occasion, with children cutting ribbons to open its main attractions. Two time capsules were buried on the site, containing items of significance donated by the Trust and the local community, to be opened in 2124.
Items included the Trust’s strategic plan, estate newsletters, a rent book, and an 1979 commemorative MCC v Strathearn Cricket Bat in honour of A.K Bell, a lifetime fan of the sport. Kinnoull Primary school donated a scrapbook and uniform, while Gannochy residents donated some touching letters addressed to the future tenants in 2124.
Following a consultation in August 2023, the new playpark was designed and built with community feedback at its heart. The new curly is part of a range of projects to mark the centenary, including a new Community Orchard within the grounds of The Gannochy Trust Housing Estate. This beautiful orchard provides a safe and welcoming space for tenants and the wider community to enjoy.
Andy Duncan, Chief Executive of The Gannochy Trust said: “A.K Bell was a great fan of the outdoors, so I think he would have approved of the new playpark and the work we are doing at the orchard. All our actions both in grant giving and the management of the housing and wider estate, build on his philanthropic legacy, to give back to the local community and improve people lives. Here’s to the next 100 years!”