Improving Rothes High Street

Following the community vote we wanted to share an update on the work underway to progress your preferred improvement option.

What’s been done

• A site visit has taken place to discuss potential designs for the area.
• A draft drawing has been prepared.
• A contractor has visited the site to give rough cost estimates for the works.
• We’re aiming for a design that works well for residents and is welcoming for visitors.

What the early design shows

• A slabbed path from the High Street past residents’ front doors for easy access.
• Rolling grassy areas in the main space.
• Hard‑packed gravel paths running between the grassy areas.
• Native perennial plants in the grassy areas (instead of flower beds) to help with easy maintenance.
• Existing healthy trees kept and included in the grassy areas.
• Existing bushes moved to the edges of the grassed area.
• Benches along the gravel paths, facing away from homes as much as possible.

This is an early draft and may change.

What’s next

• We’re checking with other teams about things like lighting and drainage.
• We’re waiting for cost estimates from the contractor.
• Funding options are being explored.

Once more detailed cost information is available, we’ll be able to give an update on what can be delivered and the next steps in the process.

Thank you to all those who took the time to vote. We received 81 votes with the most votes (31) going to option 1, shown below.

View the voting results.

The Asset team will develop this option in more detail including likely costs. The final project will be shaped by what immediate residents prefer. We'll provide an update soon!

Here's a summary of what you told us about improving this area of Rothes.

Who took part?

• 57 people responded to the survey
• 50 of these respondents live in Rothes (89.3%)

Feelings about the area

Most respondents are unhappy or very unhappy with this area of Rothes

• Very unhappy – 23 (41.1%)
• Unhappy – 19 (33.9%)
• Neutral – 14 (25%)

How the area is used

Most respondents use the area for walking though or don’t use it at all. (Multiple selections allowed).

• Walking through – 35 (62.5%)
• Don’t use it – 20 (35.7%)
• Other uses – 4 (7.1%)
• Meeting people – 2 (3.6%)
• Sitting or taking a break – 1 (1.8%)

Main issues

Top concerns were that the area looks untidy and lacks maintenance. (Multiple selections allowed).

• It looks untidy – 49 (87.5%)
• Lack of maintenance – 47 (83.9%)
• It doesn’t feel welcoming – 40 (71.4%)
• It’s not useful – 31 (55.4%)
• Poor seating – 24 (42.9%)
• Not enough plants or greenery – 30 (53.6%)
• Other – 2 (3.6%)

Improving the area

The most popular improvement was more plants and greenery. (Multiple selections allowed).

• More plants and greenery – 44 (78.6%)
• Increased/better seating – 31 (55.4%)
• Sheltered area – 17 (30.4%)
• Bike racks/facilities – 12 (21.4%)
• Other suggestions – 11 (19.6%)
• Information boards – 8 (14.3%)

Top priorities

When asked to choose one main priority, most respondents chose making the area more attractive and welcoming.

• A more attractive and welcoming area – 43 (78.2%)
• A space that serves a useful purpose – 9 (16.4%)
• A place to relax – 3 (5.5%)

Further comments

Common themes from respondents’ comments include:

• The area looks neglected and doesn’t give a good first impression of Rothes.
• Strong support for green improvements like trees, planters, and grass.
• Concerns about traffic speed, noise, and lack of maintenance.
• Mixed views on social use:
  • Some support creating a space for gathering or play.
  • Others strongly oppose turning it into a play or social area due to noise and litter concerns.

Other suggestions included:

• Parking space
• Bike/skate ramps
• Drainage improvements
• Traffic calming
• Decorative surfacing