The café, a key attraction in the park, was recently closed after the former operator gave up the lease in March 2024 after seven years.

The Pavilion was converted into a café as part of a £1.9 million park regeneration project in 2010. It is owned by the Crieff Common Good Fund, so the council consulted the local community about whether they would like to see the cafe reopened or if the building should be used for something else.

People overwhelmingly gave a thumbs-up to the idea of the café reopening, and so the council launched launched a tendering process. Derek and Carys emerging as the successful bidders.

The couple plans to host events like barbecues, pizza nights, and Christmas gatherings, while also opening the space to community groups. They are now busy getting ready to open for the summer season.

They will serve hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches, rolls, breakfasts, flatbreads, ice cream and a range of other treats in their indoor and outdoor seating areas.

Derek said: “We’re really looking forward to getting the keys soon and opening up for customers. We plan to hold barbeques and pizza nights, Christmas events and open the space up for community groups to use all year round and really get the most out of.”

Carys added: “We want the Pavilion to be for everyone. We’ll be organising art and treasure-hunt events in the park for kids and families, as well as intergenerational events bringing people together.

“We want to work really closely with the local community and groups like the Friends of MacRosty Park and Crieff Community Council to give people what they want. It’s important to us that the Pavilion is a space for the whole community. We can’t wait to get started in this beautiful park.”

Crieff Common Good Fund convener, councillor Noah Khogali, said: “I’m delighted that Carys and Derek are almost ready to reopen the café in the Pavilion. It’s a popular and key attraction in the park and local people are excited to see them move in. I would like to wish them every success.

“As well as the cafe, visitors to MacRosty Park can also enjoy the newly refurbished waterplay area this summer. The work involved improving drainage, fully cleaning and re-laying the blockwork and laying a new high-grip resin bound surface to help prevent slips.

“With the new café and the improved water play area, I’m sure MacRosty Park can look forward to a very busy summer.”