Thousands to take part in 81-mile fundraising cycle

Tayside Police: Have appointed dedicated police officer for ETAPE Caledonia.

Police have appointed a dedicated liaison officer to a major cycling event in Highland Perthshire.

Thousands of cyclists from across the UK will descend on the area to take part in the 81-mile Marie Curie Cancer cycle challenge.

The annual Etape Caledonia challenge will take place on roads around Pitlochry, Tummel Bridge, Kinloch Rannoch, Schiehallion, Fortingall, Weem, Strathtay, Pitnacrae and Logierait on May 13.

Back in 2009 the normally tranquil route near Schiehallion was littered with carpet tacks, causing punctures for hundreds of riders.

Since then Tayside Police has appointed a dedicated community liaison officer to the event to provide assistance to local residents.

Sergeant Dave Patton will host a surgery to discuss the forthcoming road closures and diversions, and to address any issues local residents might have.

The surgery will take place on between 7pm and 8pm on Thursday, April 26 at Kinloch Rannoch Police, Bridge End, Kinloch Rannoch, PH16 5PX.

For further information on the ETAPE event please visit www.EtapeCaledonia.co.uk.

Local residents can also contact Sergeant Patton 01796 471806 with any questions or concerns they have.