Activity at Recreation Ground suggests progress

Signs of recent activity at Pitlochry Recreation ground could suggest that the long-awaited Tesco development may be finally progressing with showpiece events making contingencies for potential building work.

Planning permission and building warrants for a 25,000 sq ft Tesco site with 177 car parking spaces were granted some time ago by the Council with an initial outline completion date of this summer.

However, following delays, things went quiet, leading to speculation locally that the development had encountered issues.

Signs of progress

In the last few days, though construction officials have been seen scoping the 3.31 acre site, near the junction of Perth Road and Bridge Road. The original estimated build time for the supermarket was 12 months which means that a 2026 opening could still remain a possibility.

In the last few days, a major event which uses the space has released a statement regarding parking.

Heartland Festival told followers on its website and Facebook page that it was in discussions to develop a Park and Ride service for the 2026 showcase due to ‘unforeseen’ issues regarding the site which has been used for festival parking over the past 2 years.

It is understood that officials are confident a park and ride scheme can be operated from a location 2 miles from the event home, deploying shuttle buses over all 3 days.

As a result, general parking will not be offered at this time for the 2026 showpiece, with only a limited number of Blue Badge spaces being available. Those who have already bought parking tickets for 2026 will have their spaces honoured.

Sought-after site

Other events which also utilise the site for parking are Pitlochry Highland Games, taking place next month, and Community fireworks shows.

The site has long been attractive to potential supermarket developments.

Sainsbury’s originally achieved consents in 2011 but pulled out in 2015, prior to Tesco’s interest.

The original real estate document said the lease on the site would be for 20 years at a rental of £490, 925 per year.