Volunteers sought for mountain path restoration works

People with a love of the great outdoors are being invited to put something back into the landscape of Skye and Lochalsh by signing up to take part in mountain path restoration days in the area.

The Highland Council’s Skye and Lochalsh Countryside Rangers are urging people to continue the excellent work carried out by the Skye and Lochalsh Footpaths Initiative up until 2008 and then the Council’s Rangers and volunteers since 2009.

Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee welcomed the programme of mountain path days, he said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has already volunteered in the past. For anyone considering it this year, I would urge them to think no more and just sign up as the work is really rewarding both for the volunteers and everyone who walks these areas.”

Seven volunteers’ days have been arranged for 12 March, 2 April, 4 June, 3 September, 5 November 2011 and 14 January and 3 March 2012. Each day’s work is from 10am to 3pm and all tools are supplied. A footpath to one of Skye’s most enigmatic landscapes, the Old Man of Storr, is included in the programme.

John Phillips, Highland Council’s Senior Countryside Ranger said: “Its hard work but great fun. The reward is knowing that you have done a hard day’s work helping to preserve some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes. We can provide a lift to and from the work sites if transport is a problem.”

Between 1993 and 2008 around 42 kilometres of path were improved by the Skye and Lochalsh Footpaths Initiative all of which continue to need maintenance.

During a typical volunteer day, cross-drains and water bars on the paths are cleared out and drains cleared of debris.

The following Saturdays and locations are available to volunteer for:

• 12 March 2011 at Coire Riabhach and Coire a Bhastier;
• 2 April 2011 at Coir’ a’ Ghrunnda/Gars-bheinn;
• 4 June 2011 at Glenshiel – Gleann Undalain path;
• 3 September 2011 at Coire Làgan;
• 5 November 2011 at Coir’ a’ Ghrunnda/Gars-bheinn;
• 14 January 2012 at Old Man of Storr; and
• 3 March 2012 at Coire na Creiche.

To volunteer please contact John Phillips tel: 01471 820526 e-mail: john.phillips@highland.gov.uk or Sandy MacPhee tel: 01471 820527 e-mail: sandy.macphee@highland.gov.uk