New Path Improvement Scheme for Highland Communities

11th May 2010

Highland Council's Outdoor Access Team have secured £585,000 of funding over the next three years to help pave the way for a programme of improvements to the core path network across the Highlands. The new Core Path Improvement Scheme is expected to deliver a minimum of 45 projects over the next 3 years at an average cost per project of £13,000.

45% of this new award has come from the Highland LEADER Programme and now Community Councils and other community groups across Highland are being invited to put forward their improvement projects.

Councillor Isobel McCallum, Vice Chairman of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: "I fully support what the Access Team are trying to do. All too often we take paths for granted and yet they contribute to so much of everyday life. This is an excellent example of how LEADER funding can be used throughout Highland for community benefit."

Core Paths were identified after 3 years of extensive consultation with communities, landowners and organisations. Maps showing where these Core Paths are located can be viewed on The Highland Council website by typing 'Core Path Network Plans' into the Search box.

Applications can be for projects big and small, everything from a gate or short section of drainage up to full path construction. Proposals for smaller projects would be particularly welcome as this would enable the money to go further and result in the improvement of more paths in more areas. Funding is available throughout Highland apart from the Cairngorm National Park (which has a seperate LEADER Programme) and within the Inverness city (which is ineligible for LEADER funding).

Application forms are guidance notes have been sent to all Community Councils and are available from the Access Team at the Council. Applications must be received before 30th July 2010.

Access Officer Phil Waite said: "We really want communities to tell us which paths should be improved and hopefully even some small changes can make a big difference."

An example of a potential improvement application is the Lily Loch path in Muir of Ord. The Ross & Cromarty Disability Access Group have been undertaking audits of paths and this is one they identified as a priority.

Group member Elizabeth Robertson said: "This is such a nice wee spot close to the village that wouldn't take much to make it more accessible for people like me."

The land is managed by the Muir of Ord Community Association who's Chairman, Martha Chisholm said: "We have long been looking to make the path surface smoother for all types of users and if we can do it with this scheme it would be fantastic."

Anyone looking for more details or to discuss potential projects should contact their area Access Officer, contact details from the Highland Council.

In parallel with the above scheme, Access Officers will be carrying out a programme of signposting on core paths where required. This programme of sign installation has begun in some areas and will commence in all remaining areas later in the year, again if you would like to know more please contact your Access Officer.