Visitors to Skye should be wary of helicopters carrying out repairs at the start of September
Walkers are being warned that, weather permitting, helicopter lifts will take place in Glen Sligachan on Skye on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 September as part of the John Muir Trust’s ongoing programme of path repairs.
A first phase of repair work on the Druim Hain path was carried out last winter, and phase two starts in September. This will involve additional work on the Druim Hain path from Glen Sligachan to Loch Coruisk, plus pre-preemptive work on Beinn Dearg Mheadhonach where the steep path is in danger of becoming badly eroded.
The helicopter lift will be bringing stone into the two sites which will be used to build steps and drainage features.
“The intrepid team who last winter walked a total of 500 miles to carry out path repair work along a remote section of the Druim Hain path are back in action this autumn,” said Chris Goodman, footpath officer for the John Muir Trust. “Major pathwork generally takes place outside the summer months when it’s more quiet, but and we expect quite a few people to be walking the path on the days the helicopter is scheduled.”
He also commented: “On a more positive note, we can say confidently that this work will lead to a major improvement in the quality of the path, and will benefit not just the landscape and the plant life but also ultimately the local community by providing new opportunities for training and work experience.”
The work is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Mountaineering Trust, Brown Forbes Memorial Fund and the Kestrelman Trust, along with generous donations from members and supporters.
