Take the high road
More than 150 Gypsies and Travellers have arrived in Aberdeen for the start of a five-day religious convention.
Almost 60 caravans had pulled up at the city’s Calder Park by last night as the Christian gathering got under way.
The event kicked off at 8.30am yesterday with dozens of travellers attending a prayer meeting in a marquee that had been pitched in the field. But the event has been criticized by local people.
Hazel Sutherland, who lives in nearby Scylla Drive, used to go horse-riding in Calder Park and other public ground in the area until they were fenced off by the council earlier this year.
The 53-year-old said: “I phoned the council and they said they had to do something to keep the travellers out, but now they’re letting them in.
“I am absolutely irate that I, as a taxpaying citizen, can’t ride in the area – yet they get handed the keys.”
Jackie Boyd, an elder from the Light and Life Missions church, said there had been a positive atmosphere in the park throughout the day.
“When the rain stays off, it’s a lovely place to come to,” he said.
“There might be a few more to come, maybe another 10 caravans, but most would have travelled at the weekend.
“We had a prayer meeting this morning. I think some of the local Christians from the church have been down as well. Of course, everyone is welcome.”
Pastor Jackie Boyd
A gospel meeting is also being held in the marquee every evening at 6.30pm. Last night, the tent, which can hold 150 people, was almost full of the travellers, as well as some members of the public.
An Aberdeen woman who was at the gospel meeting said she had been made to feel very welcome and had enjoyed meeting “many different groups with one strong message – to preach the gospel”.
Shonagh Fairwait, of Springfield Road, said: “I have been made to feel very welcome. Everyone is so lovely here. We have prayed together and enjoyed some social chats.
“It is very clear that nobody is here to create any trouble and I don’t believe any local residents should be upset by their arrival.”
The 59-year-old added that she would be going to other meetings during the week.
Nigg Community Council chairman Alan Strachan, who was furious after it emerged last week that the council had authorised the event without prior consultation with residents, said: “So far there doesn’t seem to be any problems.”
Meanwhile in Edinburgh residents have raised fears over a similar gathering.
Residents in the Gypsy Brae area in Granton said they were "very worried" about the mass gathering which is expected to attract around 400 caravans and 1,500 visitors to the Gypsy Brae Recreation Ground.
A spokesman for the City Council said travellers had worked closely with police and the council's events organisation body and had ensured that suitable stewards, cleaners and toilets would be on site.
Jackie Boyd, 45, of the light and life mission which planned the festival, said they held events every year and had only once experienced trouble.
He said: "We've been careful to get the right facilities and it'll be a fun family event. We're having games for kids, gospel services and a barbecue. We plan to go up a week beforehand to set up and all the locals are invited.
"Gypsies today act very differently to how it was back in the past. We're all bringing our caravans up for a peaceful time."
Police said they would constantly be present on the site, and a council spokesman confirmed the group had paid a fee so that the area could be returned to normal after the travellers left.
Local councillor Cammy Day said that while he realised there was "cause for concern" he was confident the event would attract visitors to the area.
He said: "I believe it will be a good feature for north Edinburgh. The group have learned from their mistakes and have been incredibly thorough."
He added: "I hope I'm not saying something different afterwards."
A City of Edinburgh Council spokesperson said: "The Council and its partner agencies have been working closely with the Light and Life Gypsy Church in the lead-up to the event.
Those wishing to visit the Edinburgh convention, between the 27th and 31st of July, should go to: Gypsy Brae on South of Forth River, near Marine Drive and West Shore Road, postcode EH4 5EN