Go Ape opponents hand in petition

Campaigners want Scottish ministers to reject the development

Opponents of a tree-top adventure course in Glasgow's Pollok Park have handed over a 5,000-signature petition at Holyrood later.

They want ministers to reject plans for a "Go Ape" adventure play area.

Glasgow City Council has already approved the development, which would see elevated platforms and zip slides in woods near the Burrell Collection.

But the scheme was referred to Scottish ministers because the council has a financial interest in the venture.

A spokesman for the Save Pollok Park group, which collected the signatures, said: "Pollok is a unique country estate within the city, which is free to use for all.

"It is 25 years this week since the Burrell Collection was opened and the architects - Sir Barry Gasson and John Meunier - have said the Go Ape buildings, in full view of the main museum gallery would 'destroy the magic of the collection'."

I was pleased to be able to sign this petition, and am completely sure that this scheme should be blocked - Go Ape is a fun idea but in absolutely the wrong place Patrick Harvie Green MSP

He added: "Glasgow City Council's handling of the planning application has been sloppy and inept.

"Their research has been poor and they have failed to take account of the opposition of the majority of park users, the National Trust and the Maxwell family (who gifted the park to the city)."

Patrick Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow, called on the Scottish Government to support community opposition to the scheme.

"Scottish ministers have earned themselves a dodgy track record on planning decisions so far, supporting unsuitable and very un-green developments from Mr Trump's executive playground in Aberdeenshire to the Caltongate scheme in Edinburgh," he said.

"In this case they must accept both the strong public opposition and the clear planning objections to this incursion into the peaceful and beautiful Pollok Park.

"I was pleased to be able to sign this petition, and am completely sure that this scheme should be blocked - Go Ape is a fun idea but in absolutely the wrong place."