Having given a new lease of life to an old public toilet block by turning it into smart meeting rooms, PLUS Perth is progressing plans to breathe new life into historic Ropemakers Close, linking South Street and Canal Street. 

With support from Perth & Kinross Council, which has commissioned murals depicting the history of the ancient vennel, and Kilmac, the wellbeing charity is creating “Ropemakers Nature Garden.”  

The project has been warmly welcomed by depute provost Andrew Parrott, who said the initiative fitted in with the local authority’s aspirations to reclaim abandoned and underused gardens. 

Perth-based Kilmac project manager Jimmy Riddoch and his team cleared undergrowth and erected new secure fencing and a gate after the charity struck an agreement with the council for a peppercorn rent. 

PLUS Perth development manager Susan Scott said the next stage would be to plant it out over the next few months. 

“The area beside our building was an absolute mess, littered with beer cans and syringes. It was really seedy and grungy,” she explained. 

“But thanks to Andrew’s assistance, working with council officers and getting valuable support from Kilmac and Inspiring Scotland, it’s going to be transformed, with planting rolling out in the next few weeks.  

“It’s a win-win and a small step forward in ensuring Ropemakers Close is an attractive link from the Canal Street car park, which is used by many visitors to Perth Museum and the Stone of Destiny. 

“PLUS Perth is counting down to our 25th anniversary and having transformed the old toilet block as we secured phased funding, we have been keen to enhance the wider area. 

“The Nature Garden will complement the Horners Lane Plot community garden which we have cared for over the past 10 years. 

“Local architect Fergus Purdie has been very helpful in drawing up plans of how the vennel could look and the Nature Garden is one small part of a wider vision going forward.” 

The charity previously installed an information board highlighting the history of the vennel, where craftsmen made ropes from hemp and flax for ships berthing at the nearby harbour. That history will be reflected in the murals. 

Councillor Parrott said: “It’s great to see a company like Kilmac with a real sense of community responsibility helping charitable bodies enhance the Perth environment. 

“I’m delighted they agreed to take on this job to help PLUS Perth, who are doing a sterling job in giving Ropemakers Close a new lease of life. 

“At a time when council resources are limited, I welcome every initiative that groups take in looking after their own little patch.”