Plans submitted for visitors to Go Ape in country park

Visitors to Dalkeith Country Park could be swinging from the treetops if plans for a new activity centre get the go ahead.

Go Ape, which operates outdoor high rope adventure courses at locations across the UK, has applied for planning permission for a centre at the park.

The company says it has agreed with the Buccleuch Estate, which owns the 2200-acre park, to provide its services.

The course will also need to have a reception cabin, which will also be used as an office and storage space for equipment.

Plans: An application has been submitted to Midlothian Council. LDRS

In a statement to Midlothian Council planners, Go Ape said it wants to set up its course in an area of the park north-east of the Laundry House and south of Cat Haugh.

It said: “This location has been selected as it complements the

existing activities and does not distract from the historic views available within the county park.”

The course is for anyone over one-metre tall, with any child under six needing to be accompanied by an adult.

Go Ape said: “Although a degree of physical fitness is required, Go Ape welcomes participation by persons with disabilities.

“Whilst the nature of the activity requires participants to be able to climb a rope ladder without assistance, many people from a wide spectrum of disabilities have successfully completed the course.”

The proposed course will be made up of treetop platforms, wire and rope crossings and zip-wire crossings.

Go Ape said: “The majority of the course is high up in the trees. The ground beneath the course will remain publicly accessible as it is now. ”

The application is now being considered by planning officers.

By local democracy reporter Marie Sharp