Golf fans who base themselves in central Scotland for next year’s Ryder Cup could face “transport confusion”, according to an MSP.
Three park and ride facilities are to be set up in Stirling, Perth and Kinross but people staying in accommodation away from these hubs will have to use public transport to get there, before completing their journey to the PGA Centenary Course in Gleneagles.
Roseanna Cunningham MSP has warned that some could face the “ridiculous situation” whereby they must double back on themselves to get to a park and ride.
She has also warned that hotels and B&Bs in smaller towns and villages could miss out on a tourism boom the tournament is likely to bring to the region.
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 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 create the ridiculous situation where visitors staying in Crieff, for example, would have to travel to Perth to then get either a bus or train to Gleneagles.
“I have had confirmation from Euan Mitchell, the police community engagement officer for the 2014 Ryder Cup, that thus far and I stress, thus far that is, indeed, how things stand.”
Ms Cunningham fears that the hospitality trade in smaller towns and villages, such as Bridge of Allan and Dunblane, could lose out because golf fans will want to be closer to transport hubs in Stirling, Perth and Kinross.
She said: “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.”
The Perthshire MSP has learned that decisions are yet to be taken on whether additional transport to and from the park and rides will be provided.
Ms Cunningham said: “It was my understanding, from information supplied at meetings that were held locally, that there would be local transportation, and PC Mitchell informs me that Ryder Cup Europe have advised that once the ticket allocation has been completed and more detailed information on ticket-holders’ travel requests has been analysed, they will consider the implications of this with regards to facilitating access to the 2014 Ryder Cup for those in the local area.
“Further details are to be discussed in September once there is a more accurate indication of travel plans from ticket-holders.
“I would like to see that timetable accelerated and 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.”
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.”