Glencoe
Work will start on footpath improvements on some of Scotland’s best loved mountain paths with the news that £1m has been raised to enable the project to go ahead.
More than £300,000 has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland from the European Regional Development Fund to enable repairs and improvements on routes in some of the country’s most visited mountain areas, including Glencoe, Torridon and Goat Fell on Arran.
The trust’s own ‘Sole Trading’ appeal has added to the £1.3m goal to restore the damaged routes. The Scottish Mountaineering Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage have also contributed to the fund.
First Minister Alex Salmond announced the latest boost this week as part of a wider package for the Highlands. Other NTS land includes Ben Lawers, Ben Lomond and the Mar Lodge Estate.
Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: “I would like to congratulate the trust for their hard work and initiative in securing this funding and bringing forward this important project.
“Scotland’s mountains are world renowned and a considerable asset in our efforts to attract visitors from home and abroad. It is particularly apt that, in the year of Homecoming, the trust will be embarking on a major project which enhances access to our wilderness while at the same time preserves and protects it for future generations.”
Andrew Bachell, NTS director of conservation and projects said: “Our mountains are truly inspiring and through this project, we hope to ensure that walkers can continue to enjoy the hills for generations to come.
“Our expert conservation work will not only make some of Scotland’s most stunning high mountain areas accessible, but also reverse years of erosion and damage on these delicate high altitude environments. Without the generous support of our funders, our members and our supporters, this work would not be possible.”
The trust maintains 634km (394 miles) of mountain paths, many of which are at altitudes over 760m (2,500ft).
Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a series of events to celebrate the nation’s achievements and boost its cultural standing.
