West Highland Way Commemorative Pillars unveiled at the Devil’s Staircase

The Highland Council, as part of The West Highland Way Management Group, unveiled bespoke oak pillars at Devil’s Staircase, Glencoe in celebration of the founding of the West Highland Way (WHW) in 1980 and marked the occasion in full spirits with an uplifting rendition of ‘Home Bird’ by the incredible Scottish duo ‘The Laurettes’.

Engraved on the pillars is an original design and the story of the foreboding Devil’s Staircase. The top of this section is the highest point on the West Highland Way at 550m (1850ft) and lives infamously in the memory of many a walker.

The ‘Home Bird’ lyrics describe the liberating and empowering feeling that people experience whilst enjoying the West Highland Way and it was great to have ‘The Laurettes’ there in person to perform and mark the commemorative event.

The beautifully crafted two metre oak pillars designed by renowned artist Claire MacLean and delicately hand carved by Simon Baker at Evergreen are a fitting way to mark this poignant part of the West Highland Way.

The Highland Council’s Lochaber Committee Chair, Cllr Kate Willis said: “As a keen walker and advocate of the great West Highland Way, I was honoured to be invited to unveil the oak pillars to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the West Highland Way.

“The oak pillars are designed to complement the surroundings and pay homage to the mythical story of the Devil’s Staircase.  Over 40,000 people walk the entire 96-mile route each year and I'm sure they will enjoy seeing the pillars and their story as they pass through this extraordinary landscape as much as the memories they will make and cherish whilst visiting the area.”

The commemorative event also tied in with the Mountain Festival weekend 17- 19 Feb held in Fort William.