In partnership with Greenspace Scotland, The Gannochy Trust recently funded a Young Placechangers project to upgrade the Curly recreation area. Seven Young Placechangers between the ages of 16 and 18 volunteered to improve the area, supported by Angela Houghton from Greenspace Scotland. After two years of planning, design and community consultation, the Placechangers delivered a new fence around the football area, two access gates and a picnic area complete with seats, benches and a tarmac surface. The project was officially launched on 13th February 2020. This and many projects like it, are shining examples of the Gannochy Trust’s drive to improve the quality of life for people living in the local community, particularly young people.

Funded by the Gannochy Trust, the RSPB run a series of informative events and guided walks in Quarrymill Woodland Park called ‘Growing up with Quarrymill.’ The initiative is designed to engage and connect the local community, particularly children and young people, with the natural world. The Gannochy Trust are also national funders of the John Muir Trust who work closely with the RSPB to protect and manage wild land across Scotland. Part of this includes sponsorship of the John Muir Award Scheme, an environmental award scheme to help young people and their families to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places.

As part of the Gannochy Trust’s drive to provide development opportunities for young people, the Doo’cot Pavilion and Cricket Grounds host junior coaching academies during the summer, set up and organised by the Perth Doo’cot Cricket Club. The ground provides safe and secure facilities for Young People to develop their cricket skills. Coaching is carried out at under 11, 13 and 14 age groups.