Trust employs local man to run two-year path project in South Skye
The John Muir Trust has appointed experienced local contractor, Donald Mackenzie from Glenelg, to oversee a major project focusing on two key paths through the Strathaird peninsula in south west Skye.
The two-year programme of work and training , titled “Skye’s Wild Ways: Path Repairs and Conservation Skills” will focus on two key paths – from Sligachan to Coruisk , and the route across Beinn Dearg Mheadhonach in the Red Cuillin.
The project, which began in early September, will involve sensitive repairs to some of the more eroded sections of both paths to improve access to some of Skye’s most spectacular landscapes while minimising any impact on fragile habitats.
The work has been made possible thanks to a grant of £57,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), together with support from the Brown Forbes Memorial Fund, the Scottish Mountaineering Trust and the Kestrelman Trust.
Despite inclement weather so far, the John Muir Trust says that it has already seen successful helicopter airlifts carrying 90 tonnes of stone to Beinn Dearg Mheadhonach and a further 60 tonnes to Druim Hain on the Sligachan route.
“This is really important work, helping to protect some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland and tackle the issue of erosion on popular access routes,” said Chris Goodman, John Muir Trust Footpath Project Officer. “And it’s labour intensive work which means a boost for local employment.”
