£60k funding sees path reconnect generations in Ardnish

A VITAL neighborhood path on the Isle of Skye, positioned in an space of wealthy crofting historical past, has undergone a big improve because of very important funding from Scotland’s strolling charity.

The Ardnish Path Restoration Mission obtained £60,000 from Paths for All’s £1.5m Ian Findlay Path Fund, masking 69% of the general venture prices.

Pushed by the Decrease Breakish Grazing Committee and supported by Highland Council, 900m of path between Breakish and Waterloo was resurfaced, widened, and a brand new bridge constructed over the Allt Linnidal Burn.

Opened in a ribbon chopping ceremony by native, Neil MacInnes, the upgraded path formally reopened in October 2023.

The trail acts as a lifeline for locals, crofters, and guests, who use it to keep away from strolling on the busy important highway.

Carol Huggan, Clerk of the Grazing Committee defined what the restored path means for the tight knit neighborhood.

She mentioned: “Our neighborhood is exclusive, maybe as a result of now we have crofters and households who’re fourth or fifth era nonetheless dwelling within the space who nonetheless take a whole lot of delight within the village.

“The trail is essential for us to have the ability to stroll safely, as an alternative of braving the harmful A87 important highway. The unique path was constructed over 23 years in the past, and wanted some main work to make sure it was accessible to all, whether or not it’s individuals in wheelchairs, these with low potential or households with prams.

“We will likely be ceaselessly grateful for this funding. My late father, Calum Macrae, liked his village and would have been delighted to see everybody having fun with the trail, and the memorial bench that has been arrange in his reminiscence.

“The variety of individuals utilizing the trail already is astonishing and we hope this continues to thrive.

Native contractor D.N. Munro Plant Rent was contracted to finish the works, which included resurfacing your complete 900m, widening the trail from as slim as 30cm, to a minimal of 1.5m, in addition to upgrading drainage, and putting in a brand new accessible bridge over the flood inclined burn.

The Ian Findlay Path Fund supplies funding to neighborhood organisations throughout Scotland targeted on enhancing native path networks. It was established in reminiscence of Ian Findlay CBE, late Chief Officer of strolling charity Paths for All.

Kevin Lafferty, CEO of Paths for All, mentioned: “It’s fantastic to see the eagerness and appreciation this neighborhood has for his or her upgraded path. Tasks like this exemplify the spirit and impression of the Ian Findlay Path Fund in supporting lively journey and connectivity.

“Strolling not solely advantages individuals’s well being however can carry communities collectively, which we are able to see right here in Ardnish.”

The Ian Findlay Path Fund is supported by Transport Scotland and continues to assist native initiatives geared toward enhancing path networks and fostering lively journey.

Group teams desirous about making use of for the second spherical of funding can attain out to the Ian Findlay Path Fund staff at [email protected].

For extra details about the Ian Findlay Path Fund, go to https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/ifpf