New path upgrades at Fort Augustus courtesy of SSEN Transmission
Visitors to Forestry and Land Scotland’s forests around Fort Augustus will benefit from path and bridge upgrades on the local trails – thanks to SSEN Transmission.
The move –prompted by recently retired Highland Council leader, Councillor Margaret Davidson – followed liaison with the local community and is a ‘thank you’ for local residents’ cooperation and understanding during SSEN Transmission’s extensive sub-station expansion works at Auchterawe.
The improvements to the local network of forest trails and long distance paths were delivered by local company MacDonald Contracting Ltd.
Sandra Reid, FLS local Recreation Ranger, said;
“The Fort Augustus footpath is really popular both with local people and long-distance walkers and they were getting to be a bit the worse for wear.
“Thanks to SSEN Transmission – and to Councillor Davidson and the local community – the network has been improved and looks amazing. It will also be much easier for us to maintain it in the years ahead, so that it continues to be of benefit to local people for some years to come.”
The work included the upgrading and resurfacing of the car parks at Torr Dhuin and at the River Oich, the resurfacing of 300m of the River Oich trail, cutting back over-growth on sections of the ‘Old Military Road’ route between Fort Augustus to Glenmoriston and the replacement of four footbridges along the Auchterawe footpath network at Auchterawe.
Councillor Margaret Davidson, said;
‘’I am very pleased to see these tracks so improved. The area of Auchterawe is an area that many local people use almost daily for recreation and these improvements to the tracks and the new bridges are a great thank you from SSEN Transmission for the community.
“Thanks to Forest and Land Scotland for organising and supervising the job. It is a splendid time of year to get out of doors and appreciate the environment in which we live.’’
SSEN Transmission also constructed a 1km path linking two forest roads west of Torr Dhuin.
Laurie Kibblewhite, SSEN Transmission Project Manager, said:
“We’re delighted we’re able to help contribute towards path and bridge upgrades in some of the forests around Fort Augustus, meaning the whole community can enjoy improved access to the beautiful natural surroundings here.
“As guests in the area, it’s great to know that we can help, have a positive impact on the local community and leave a lasting legacy through the project by supporting initiatives such as this.”
Notes to editors
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Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot