Decision details

The Committee gave consideration to a proposal from Robert Bell, West Highland Photography in which he outlined plans to create an attraction in Duchess Wood which would be similar to the existing Enchanted Forest attraction in Pitlochry.

Further discussion followed in regards the commercial aspect of the project and to whom the responsibility of both Health and Safety and Public Liability insurance would be incurred.  Mr Bell clarified that responsibility of both Health and Safety and insurance would hopefully be delegated to a commercial organisation.  He continued that marshals would be in place to supervise the operation and to ensure that no-one got lost or floundered in the Wood and a counting procedure would be instigated to ensure accountability.

He confirmed that if the proposal was agreed, then he anticipated the event would run in October/November and continue for 9 days to include 2 weekends. Access would be during the hours of darkness to maximise the effect of the creative lighting.

Mr Bell continued that ticket sales would be via internet booking with perhaps a local outlet in Helensburgh to enable people to purchase tickets. Mr Macbeth drew attention to the 4 entry points to the Duchess Wood and Mr Bell confirmed that marshals would be in place to collect tickets at these points. He addressed freedom of access issues and clarified that event access would only pertain during the hours of darkness when less people use the Wood. The Chair suggested that a portion of the Wood could be segmented for dog walker’s usage if the project progressed.

Charlie Cairns drew attention to the implication of financial risk and stressed the importance of the Committee over viewing budget figures before making a decision.

Decision

The Committee agreed to support the ‘Fairy Tale Woods’ project in principle and requested that Robert Bell attend the Duchess Woods Committee meeting on 17 February 2015 with an update.  The Committee further agreed that Mr Bell would attend the Duchess Woods Committee meeting scheduled for 19 May 2015 to present a full Business Plan for the Committee’s formal consideration.