CTLR At Work In Your Community
The Community Benefits Team for CTLR carry out projects large and small across the Perth & Kinross area each and every month. From donations of goods and services to organising and assisting with volunteers and hands-on help, their goal is to leave a positive and lasting impact throughout the life of the project, and beyond.
This work is often specific, such as visiting schools, inspiring the next generation of engineers and organising site tours for a wide array of organisations. You can read about this on our articles here:
However, they also contribute to a myriad of local projects which we've captured here to inspire you to think about how you and the people around you can get involved to bring benefit to your own community.
Jillian Ferguson, Roads Infrastructure Manager commented, "The premise of using public spending to make Perth and Kinross a better place to live, work and do business, has been an integral part of the Perth Transport Futures planning since its inception.
"Centring our ambitions around the guidelines laid out in Perth and Kinross Offer, we are determined to help and support more vulnerable members of our communities through charitable work and donations, and to build upon the project ethos by aiding projects focused on improving public spaces and delivering environmental gains. The reach, by its nature, is wide and inclusive."
CTLR Team At Work In The Community
- Dalwheem Care Home Garden Clearance, 20/12/24
- Buttons & Bows Baby Bank donation and volunteer hours, 3/12/24
- Scone to Balbeggie Path Litter Pick, 17th, 18th, 20th and 21st November 2024
- Supply of crowd control barriers and tower lights for Luncarty's Christmas Lights Switch On, 30/11/24/24
- Donation of gardening tools to Innerpeffray Library, 08/11/24
- Donation of gardening materials and office supplies to The Starfish Way, 08/11/24
- Donation of Storage Container to Men's Shed, 04/11/24
- Halloween Bake Sale, 31/10/24
- Upgrade to Balbeggie Village Hall Carpark, 15/10/24
- Robert Douglas Memorial Institute Access Ramp Installed, 24/10/24 - Read More >
- Upgrade to Balbeggie Play Park, 06/09/24
- Out on delivery with Social Flock, 26/7/24
- Wetlands Artist Louise Kirby at Appletree Nursery, 17/7/24
- Wetlands Community Artwork Day, 3/7/24 - Read More >
- CHAS Highland Coo Trail Assistance, 21/6/24
- Muthill Community Council Arial Footage, 20/6/24
- Luncarty Football Club, 5/6/24
- Parkdale Care Home grounds clear up, 3/6/24 and 4/6/24
- Bird and Bat boxes out on site, 1/6/24
- RDM Primary School Outdoor Classroom, 29/4/24 - Read More >
- The Big Hoose Sandbank Donations, 16/4/24
- Luncarty Community Steps, 28/3/24
- Easter Egg Donations to Foodbank, 21/03/24
- Sponsorship of Scone FC Football Strips, 27/02/24
- Social Flock Donations of clothing, 20/2/24 - Read More >
Dalwheem Care Home, 20/12/24
Following a request from PKC, the residents at Dalwheem Care Home benefitted from a complete tidy of the garden space, making it more accessible for all. Over the course of three visits, a team from the CTLR project, including staff and sub contractors, carried out the following work:
- Removing the overgrown trellis
- Clearing shrubs
- Creating a ramp to the greenhouse area
- Laying gravel around side and rear of the greenhouse
Our thanks go to GB Landscapes for garden clearing work, tiding of shrubs and overgrown areas, and weeding; BINN Skips who provided the skip free of charge; and Marwood Group Ltd who provided a kerbside ramp for access
BAM UK& Ireland provided and spread gravel to create easy maintenance and a walkway around greenhouse. Thanks to James Wilson, Gary Lodge and Craig Stephen who attended on the 19th December to ensure the job was complete before Christmas.
Buttons & Bows Baby Bank donation and volunteer hours, 3/12/24
Each year Buttons & Bows Baby Bank extends their service into Christmas Donation Packs for local families in need. Over the month of November the CTLR team gathered donations of new and used toys, games, books and selection boxes to go into these packs, helping the charity with its aim of ensuring "every child should wake up to a gift on Christmas day".
Caroline from the Buttons & Bows, commented, "Christmas donation packs are distributed to local families who are struggling financially, and for whom Christmas is an extremely stressful time of year. All families are referred by agencies such as health visitors, Perth Foodbank, and Social Work, and in addition to this, we identify families using the wider babybank service. Once the packs are made up, we will either call the parents to come and collect, or deliver the packs ourselves."
As well as donating the gifts, both Amanda McClintock from BAM UK & Ireland, and Sam Morris from Venesky Brown, volunteered to help pack the Christmas donations for the referral lists. The team also agreed to donate cash instead of running a Secret Santa at this year's Christmas party - which raised £130. Finally, CTLR office donated two Christmas trees and decorations.
Scone to Balbeggie Path Litter Pick, 17th, 18th, 20th and 21st November 2024
CTLR has had a request from local residents in Scone and Balbeggie, to clear and improve the overgrown path between the two villages.
Keen to accommodate this request, the CTLR Office Manager, Amanda McClintock, contacted local community groups, Scone In Bloom and Blooming Balbeggie, to request their involvement in a community volunteer litter pick day. The area covered reached from the A94 CTLR Roundabout out to the Balbeggie Path.
Nine volunteers from the Scone side and six from Balbeggie, made an excellent job of clearing the path, and all rubbish was collected and disposed of by the CTLR team.
This incredible effort has ensured the area is ready for the path improvement work to take place in the New Year.
Kevin Gates, Scone Volunteer Co-ordinator commented, "We were happy to provide volunteers from local Scone residents and Scone in Bloom volunteers to help with the litter pick. This is a well used path and its great to see that it will be cleared by BAM and CTLR - I'm sure there will be many happy users."
Moira Martin, Balbeggie volunteer coordinator commented, "We have been thankful to be considered an important part of the Community Benefits awards throughout the Cross Tay Link Road project, as we all love our community! When Amanda asked if we could arrange volunteers to carry out a community littler pick along the section of the A94 from Balbeggie to Scone, we were more than happy to help. We had 6 residents helping us with the clear up and collected 9 bags of rubbish. Very worthwhile and a pleasure to help the community by working together."
Donation of gardening tools to Innerpeffray Library, 08/11/24
The Library of Innerpeffray is fortunate to have a team of volunteers who help keep the grounds tidy. However, as a small charity they struggle to provide the tools required for keeping the grounds, the Heritage Path and Roman Road in good condition. Following their request to the PKC Wish List, BAM donated tools to assist the volunteers moving forward.
Peter Parke, Governor of Innerpeffray Library commented, "Thank you so much for coming to Innerpeffray Library on Friday and for handing over your very generous donation of gardening tools. Innerpeffray is a special place and we wish visitors to enjoy every aspect of their visit. The Library building and the unique collection of rare books speak for themselves but the grounds and Heritage Trail are an integral part of the overall experience.
"As a small charity we have found it difficult to equip our volunteer team with the tools necessary to keep the grounds in good order but your donation of these tools has more than solved that problem. Having enough of the right tools will be a huge boost for our team and enable us to do an even better job of maintaining the grounds.
"On behalf of the Trustees and also of the gardening volunteer team may I thank you and BAM most sincerely for your donation."
Donation of gardening materials and office supplies to The Starfish Way, 08/11/24
Assisting the local community through the Peth & Kinross Community Wish List, has been an ongoing contractual agreement between BAM UK & Ireland and the Council.
The Starfish Way Project is a Duke of Edinburgh Award support project, aimed at helping young people overcome barriers and build confidence in their own abilities.
Their Wish List request was simple; they required office supplies and gardening materials for the charity, both of which BAM was in a position to help with.
Wendy Jackson, Funding and Partnership Manger for the Starfish Way commented, "Thank you again for dropping off the garden tools on Friday. It was lovely to meet you, and always inspiring to connect with others who share our passion. The tools were very gratefully received and are on their way to our merry band of volunteers and young people at Megginch and Cultybraggan."
Donation of Storage Container to Men's Shed, 04/11/24
BAM UK & Ireland, main contractor for the Cross Tay Link Road project, has donated a 20ft storage container to The Men Shed project based in Scone.
The volunteers and participants in the Men Shed Scone, have supported in the CTLR Community Benefits Team in various ways, including building Bird Boxes for our open days and helping to build the soon-to-open Bird Hide at the new Wetlands area on site.
When they approached CTLR with a request of their own, we were only to too happy to help!
Mark Carnegie, Depot Manager at BAM's Kilsyth site delivered a decommissioned storage container to the project, which they will refurbish and use.
Lewis Simpson, a Trustee of the Men's Shed, Scone, commented, "We really appreciate the storage container which CTLR have donated to Scone Men's Shed proejct. This will free up some valuable space in the workshops, allowing us to accept timber and material donations for use on further projects. We're really looking forward to the refurb itself which will be a great renovation project for our Men's Shed members."
Macmillan Halloween Bake Sale, 31/10/24
Staff at the CTLR offices held a bake sale over Halloween to raise funds for Macmillan. A number of Star Bakers emerged within the team and a full on spread of baked goodies appeared for everyone to enjoy. Cakes and Bakes were exchanged for voluntary donations, raising a whopping £357 for this very worthwhile charity that has touched so many lives.
Upgrade to Balbeggie Village Hall car Park, 15/10/24
Following a request from Balbeggie Community Council, two CTLR sub contractors, Tayside Contracts and Breedons, came together to resurface the Balbeggie Village Hall Carpark.
- Breedons supplied 80 tonnes of tar, and the machinery and labour to fill in potholes and to fill and resurface the carpark. Thanks to Greg Campopiano.
- Tayside Contracts provided 20mm stone and a JCB for spreading this. Thanks to Eryn Sinclair.
Balbeggie Community Council have passed on their thanks.
"As a trustee of the village hall and chairman of the local community council I would like to thank you for the re surfacing job your company carried out on the village hall car park. We have had nothing but positive feed back and we are very appreciative of all your efforts. On behalf of everyone, thank you very much." - Brian Crighton
"On behalf of the Park, I'd like to say a massive thank you for the resurfacing of the path, it has made a huge difference to users to have a smooth surface once again." - Moira Martin
"As Chairperson of the Trustees of St. Martins Village Hall, I write on behalf of our community to say a huge thank you to BAM for the wonderful work done resurfacing our car park. It is just fantastic and a huge improvement! We are very grateful to your company for this marvellous and generous donation to the hall and community, making for safer and cleaner ground to walk on. No more puddles! The car park is used by many and I am sure everyone will appreciate the improvement made." - Joan Sands
Upgrade to Balbeggie Playpark, 06/09/24
Balbeggie Community Council approached the CTLR project for assistance with their local play park. Years of deterioration in the path had made it unsuitable for bikes, prams and mobility devices, and with the uneven surface growing increasingly worse, it had also become unsafe underfoot for walkers and joggers. Following a review by BAM, as part of their commitment to the local community, sub contractor Tayside Contracts stepped in to upgrade the footpath to provide a more stable and longer lasting surface.
Moira Martin, Balbeggie Community Council, commented, "Thank you for completing the path around the playpark, this will mean that walkers, pushchairs and cyclists will be able to use the path. It is such a difference from before where you had to avoid potholes and big stones. We really appreciate the assistance that BAM and CTLR have given in arranging this."
Out on Delivery with Social Flock, 26/7/24
Social Flock is a community clothing charity that aims to mitigate the impact of poverty and reduce our community's reliance on fast fashion by providing FREE clothing packs of pre-loved and new clothing.
Over summer they distribute school uniform packs to families in and around Perthshire, and the CTLR team were delighted to help deliver these. A team of 4 vehicles, covering 100 miles, delivered to 60+ households. BAM UK&I also donated stationery and pencil cases for this year's uniform packs, and a number of the team donated to the Social Flock wish list.
Rosey from Social Flock commented, "We are so grateful for the support in delivering the packs, this ensures that those families in need get the packs in time for school starting."
The Children’s Society estimates that parents pay an average of £337 per year on school uniform for each secondary school child and £315 per year for each primary school child. Social Flock estimates their packs would cost a parent £100-£150 to provide themselves, brand new and with high enough quality to last a school year.
This year, within 17 days of launching, the Social Flock campaign received 500 Back to School packs from families across Perthshire. We've already started receiving feedback from families who have already had their pack this time round.
"I would like to say a massive thank you for the clothing pack and school bag it has made a big difference in helping us thank you for everything."
"Hey, Just received my packs for the kids. Thank you so very much ! The stuff is fantastic and will be a great for the kids. Thanks again!"
Wetlands Artist Louise Kirby at Appletree Nursery, 17/7/24
This week, Louise Kirby, the artist commissioned to deliver the Wetlands Community Art Project as part of the CTLR build, met with the curious and bright little minds at Apple Tree Nursery, Perth. Focusing on wildlife, flora and fauna, Louise led the children on a journey of creativity and discovery using open-ended questions to explore the children’s ideas and interests.
The children enjoyed the freedom to mark make and imagine themselves as different animals and insects by imitating them while moving around the garden and were encouraged to create their own stories, pathways and patterns using their animal or insect of choice on paper.
Visual aids inspired descriptive language and words throughout and the children were provided with a variety of interesting tools to explore their imaginations further - and more importantly, to have fun!
Jo Machray, Appletree Nursery Director commented "The children were thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the session. Louise was incredibly engaging with the children and the team. From stamping with ink to movement and exploring outdoors, chalk drawing to jumping like a frog, story telling of bears and ducks to bug hunting under logs. The children are very excited to see some of their ideas and conversations come to life!"
Wetlands Community Artwork Day, 3/7/24
Visual artist and designer, Louise Kirby, has been commissioned by the Cross Tay Link Road project to create a permanent artwork for the Wetlands.
Wetlands are an important part of new infrastructure, helping to transform or remove various pollutants as well as providing a new ecological habitat by attracting wildlife, and providing a source of food. Inspired by vibrant habitats brimming full of wildlife and flora and fauna that the new wetlands hope to attract, Louise's artwork will offer pausing points along the path network, to help people stop and take notice of the birds, animals, bugs and beasties to be found at different times of day or different seasons.
Local families were offered the opportunity to join in a creative workshop where they were invited to draw from the wildlife, flora and fauna from around the area. This free, hands-on event allowed parents, carers and children to take part in collaborating with Louise and other participants in the group.
Louise commented, "Everyone really enjoyed the day and we finished with a wonderful, creative array of stamping, drawing and collage in lots of colours. It has certainly offered lots of inspiration for the Wetlands artwork - I can't wait to get going on the final piece!"
CHAS Highland Coo Trail Assistance, 21/6/24
CHAS (Children's Hospices Across Scotland) contacted us to request assistance building wooden display plinths for their Highland Coo Trail which features 30 highland cow sculptures across a 10-week art trail of discovery for local people.
BAM provided wood and materials, reusing and recycling marine ply from the CTLR project where possible, and this was added to by Frazer Civils, Keyline and Timber Materials. The Danny Sullivan Group paid Ross Nelson at local Perth Joinery company Blackwood Joinery Ltd in Lower Friarton, Perth for the build.
Painted by artist Adriana de Matos, the CTLR sponsored Coo is named Night-time Woodland and you can find her in the Beatrix Potter Gardens, Birnam. We may be a little biased, but she's our favourite of the whole trail!
Download the App and complete the trail this summer.
Muthill Community Council, 20/6/24
Muthill Village Trust requested assistance via the PKC Wish List to set out along the first phase of the cycle path being built between Muthill and Crieff.
Sub contractor, Broadwing Media, provided drone footage, 3D images and fly through GPS. Alongside this, Allan Limerick and Aine Hanlon of BAM used GPS equipment to plot and peg out the route, and in doing so, provided practical support marking out the footpath and bridge, and sections of cycle path adjoining it. Technical advice on the merits and effectiveness of PKC preferred options for painting galvanised steel elements of the bridge structure concluded the work.
Nick James of Muthil Community Council commented, "The flythrough footage and still photos look excellent - thank you. This will be very helpful in supporting our engagement with land owners, public and funders."
Luncarty Football Club, 5/6/24
Luncarty Football Club approached the Community Benefits Team with a request to resurface the Car Park at the club, including the bellmouth entrance, and to renew the white lines.
Work included filling in potholes, providing new type 1 over the area not being tarred, resurfacing a significant area of the car park, and providing two new disabled bays. They also upgraded and extended the current footpath and its surface, and carried out an upgrade on the unsafe steps, laying fresh concrete and timber to secure them.
As well as personnel from BAM UK & Ireland, sub contractors as follows all contributed their expertise, materials or time:
- Contraflow – Traffic Management
- E&J Douglas – Road Planning
- Beattie FRC – Plant and labour
- Breedons – Asphalt and aggregates
- Markon – White lining works
Parkdale Care Home grounds clear up, 3/6/24 and 4/6/24
As part of the CTLR wider Community Benefits Programme, the team invited contractors and local people to help clear the Parkdale Care Home garden during Volunteers' Week 2024.
Led by a ten strong team of BAM, PKC and sub contractors, tasks include clearing and jet washing the footpath, clearing vegetation, weeding the raised beds, weeding the grounds, and clearing old bushes and trees. As well as this, the expertise on hand allowed us to line mark a new parking area, remove an old hardstanding path and placing stone, and create areas suitable for wheelchair and residents access.
With thanks to the following volunteers:
- Julie Lee and Kevin Smith from Waterman Aspen Engineering
- Tony McHenry, the Care Home Handyman, who came along on his days off
- Gavin Lowrey from the Danny Sullivan Group
- Sam Morris and Euan Pratt From Veneskey Brown
- Amanda McClintock, Ronnie Carr, Katy McClintock, Calum Flett, John Slaven, Derek Walsh and Dale from BAM UK & Ireland
- Sarah Gardener from PKC
- Gillian Mackie and Fiona Moore from the HART team who gave a hand sweeping up on their lunch break, Grant Taylor the on-duty Handyman, and the Parkdale catering team who supplied all volunteers with home made lunch.
In addition to the people on the ground, we must thank PMD Ltd who donated 7 tonne of marble gravel, HIS Ltd who gave discount on tools required for the job, and Speedy Services who supplied free rental of two Industrial power washers.
Lynsay Lwanyaga, Care Home Manager, commented, “Thank you for your support over Volunteers' Week. The residents in the red unit enjoyed watching you all at work and a few residents have had a wander around outside, noticing the difference you have made. Some of the areas were looking a bit weary but have been given a new lease of life!”
Bird and Bat Boxes Out On Site, 1/6/24
Bird & Bat Boxes painted and decorated by families attending the Community Open Days in October 2023 and April 2024 were distributed throughout the site by Environmental Officer, Philip Hemborough from HED Ltd. Carefully placed to ensure they become safe, secure homes for local birds and bats, this project is a small part of the conservation strategy aimed at ensuring the positive impact of the CTLR project extends beyond the life of the build
Once construction is complete, families can enjoy the walk ways and access routes. Will you spot your box?
Winners of our painting competition are:
- Bird Box – Paige Age 5
- Bat Box – Abbey Age 8
RDM Primary School Outdoor Classroom, 29/4/24
Robert Douglas Memorial (RDM) Primary School in Scone is the most recent organisation to benefit from the ongoing programme of social value and community benefit works as part of the Cross Tay Link Road project.
Michelle Jamieson, an RDM Parent Council representative, and Lynne Lambert, Head Teacher at RDM, contacted the CTLR project in summer 2023, with a request to help enhance the school's outdoor space. A new seating area with permanent wooden gazebo, and a full refurbishment of their jungle gym play area was officially handed over on 29th April, 2024. Read more about this project >
The Big Hoose Sandbank Donations, 16/4/24
As our chosen charity over April 2024, many of PKAVS projects have benefitted from CTLR support. The Big Hoose Project supports children and families in Perth & Kinross living in poverty by offering free access to everyday household items such as toilet rolls, toiletries, cleaning products, bedding and more. Unfortunately, their storage containers situated at the Shore Road are prone to flooding and they placed a request with us for sandbag sourcing. Step forward CTLR sub contractor, HIS, and a donation of sandbags to our Open Day which were then passed directly to PKAVS for use at The Big Hoose. Many thanks to Ian Young at HIS.
Paul Paterson, Big Hoose Cooridnator commented, "Thank you for donating the sandbags to the PKAVS Big Hoose Project, this really allows us to ensure the stock is safe and helps us to allocate funding to where it needs to be."
Luncarty Community Steps, 28/3/24
One of a number of PKC Wishlist items to be carried out via CTLR, this project involved repairing and resurfacing the Luncarty Park Steps, ensuring the are safe and fit for purpose for all members of the community. CTLR sub contractor Breedons supplied the concrete free of charge, and main contrator, BAM UK & Ireland, supplied the labour.
Councillor Baillie Claire McLaren, representing the Strathtay Ward commented, "On behalf of the many users of Langlands Park I would like to thank BAM for their generous refurbishment of the steps accessing the park area. This will give many residents of Luncarty an easier and safer access to the grass area and the convenience store across from the Park. Thank you."
Easter Egg Donations to Foodbank, 21/03/24
Through the collective effort of everyone in the office, the CTLR project gathered an impressive 164 chocolate Easter Eggs to donate to Perth & Kinross Foodbank. On March 21st, Amanda McClintock, Cross Tay Link Road Office Manager, had the privilege of delivering the Eggs to Laurie Hughes of Perth Foodbank. These Easter treats will soon be distributed to individuals and families who rely on the foodbank's services, spreading joy and sweetness during the school break.
Amanda commented, "Witnessing the impact of our collective contribution was truly inspiring, and highlighted the power of compassion and teamwork."
Laurie Hughes, Perth Foodbank commented, "Thanks to the generosity of Cross Tay Link Road, we are able to spread the joy of Easter to those facing hardship in our community. Their donation of 164 chocolate eggs will bring smiles to many faces and remind them that they are not forgotten. Together, we are making a difference, one sweet gesture at a time."
Sponsorship of Scone FC Football Strips, 27/2/24
The CTLR Community Benefits team are proud to be the main sponsor for Scone Thistle Under 17’s for the 2024 season. Jim Elliott, team coach, was thrilled to accept a donation for £500 which allowed the purchase of the new football strips.
Social Flock Donations of clothing, 20/2/24
Following a clothing drive amongst the team and sub-contractors working on the Cross Tay Link Road Project, Innes Mackintosh, Stakeholder and Communications Manager for BAM UK & Ireland, handed over a sizeable donation of preloved garments to Rachael Esdale, Founder and Chair of the Board of Social Flock, the community clothing initiative based in High Street, Perth.
Receiving the parcels, Rachael commented, “Thank you to the team for their wonderful donations of clothing. We will use these to provide emergency clothing packs for the community of Perthshire.” Read more about this great project