Ryder Cup: Gleneagles transport confusion fears

The Ryder Cup is being held at Gleneagles. Picture: Neil Hanna

• Roseanna Cunningham has contacted organisers seeking clarification of the transport arrangements

• Three park and ride facilities are to be set up in Stirling, Perth and Kinross

Roseanna Cunningham, the SNP MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, has contacted the organisers of the biennial golfing match, seeking clarification of the transport arrangements being put in place for the Ryder Cup at the Perthshire course in 2014.

It has already been announced that three park and ride facilities are to be set up in Stirling, Perth and Kinross. But Ms Cunningham claimed that could lead to a “ridiculous situation” for golf fans, staying in certain areas, having to double back on their journeys to reach the Ryder Cup venue.

Ms Cunningham said: “It has come to my attention that there is some confusion surrounding the transport arrangements being put in place for when the Ryder Cup comes to Gleneagles next year.

“The information on the Ryder Cup’s official website seems to give the impression that the only means of getting to Gleneagles by bus will be from one of the three Park and Ride car parks being set up in Perth, Kinross and Stirling.

“This would, of course, create the ridiculous situation where visitors staying in accommodation in Crieff, for example, would have to travel to Perth to then get either a bus or train to Gleneagles. I know that a number of local B&Bs are understandably concerned about the impact this would have on guests that have already booked with them and indeed the consequences for such difficulties on their likelihood of securing further bookings.”

She said: “It was my understanding, from information supplied at meetings that were held locally, that there would be local transportation.”

Meeting sought

Ms Cunningham added: “I will be seeking a meeting with Ryder Cup Europe to ensure that plans are indeed put in place for local access to the event as soon as possible.

“I appreciate that the Ryder Cup represents a significant logistical challenge but I do not want to see businesses in my constituency by-passed or my constituents excluded from an event right on their doorstep.”

Antonia Beggs, operations director for the 2014 Ryder Cup, said: “It is still very early days in the planning process for the public transport plans for the 2014 Ryder Cup.

“Once the ticket allocation has been completed and more detailed information on ticket-holders’ travel requests has been analysed, we will be in a better position to consider the implications of our current plans with regards to facilitating access to Gleneagles for those in the local area.”

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