NTS workers on Ben Lawers

An appeal to raise cash for footpath repairs has raised more than £40,000 in 40 days.

The Sole Trading appeal, set up by the National Trust for Scotland will help preserve paths on the charity’s land in Kintail, Glencoe and Torridon. The appeal has been running since 28 August.

Arthur Martin, head of countryside at the trust said: “The response to our appeal this year has been fantastic. There are so many people out there who appreciate the work that the trust does to protect and conserve some of Scotland’s most rugged and remote mountain landscapes.

“We are already more than half way towards our target for this year. This will help us make big strides in carrying on with the ongoing specialist work needed to maintain our mountain pathways in some of Scotland’s most stunning and fragile highland areas.”

The NTS hopes to raise £80,000 this year for the work. Supporters have so far donated more than £46,000. Its own workers and specialist contractors maintain 394 miles of paths and half of their work is spent at altitudes above 2,500ft, including Ben Lawers, Ben Lomond, Glencoe, Kintail and Mar Lodge estate.

The NTS has 46 munros in its care.