Pupils from Tomnacross Primary School have been praised for their imagination and leadership after helping to design a brand new play park in Kiltarlity.
The local children played a central role in shaping the upgraded Kiltarlity Play Park, part of Highland Council’s wider investment in play spaces across the Inverness area.
Thanks to their ideas, the park now boasts a basket swing, a spinning disc to test balance and coordination, new swings and a climbing frame with a high perch perfect for watching Shinty.
Councillor Graham MacKenzie, chair of the Communities and Place Committee, said the project was a shining example of how involving young people leads to better results.
He said, “The children of Tomnacross Primary were at the heart of this design process and their enthusiasm made all the difference.
“It’s more than just a play park, it’s a space built with and for the children of the village.”
He added that inviting young voices into planning helps grow confident and creative communities where children feel heard and valued.
The play park will be officially opened on Friday 27 June at 10.30am, and the whole community is warmly invited to join in the celebration.
Councillor Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness and Area, said the redevelopment is a reflection of the Council’s commitment to child-led design and the importance of inclusive play.
He also noted that the growing popularity of Shinty in the area helped inspire the development of a new training pitch, which then created the opportunity to redesign the play park.
“I’m delighted to see the new equipment being enjoyed already,” he said.
“This is what partnership looks like, with the school, the Shinty club and the Council all working together for the good of the community.”
The project was funded through the Scottish Government’s Play Park Renewal Fund via the Inverness City Area Committee, with additional support from Kiltarlity Shinty Club.
Other Highland communities keen to improve their own play spaces can reach out to the Council’s Play Park Strategy Coordinator at lynn.macgillivray@highland.gov.uk.
With vision and collaboration, even the smallest voices can help build places that bring joy for years to come.
