13 May Revamped paths at iconic Quiraing site opened to the public
Visitors to the spectacular Quiraing site on the Isle of Skye will soon be able to utilise newly transformed paths thanks to extensive efforts from the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS).
Scotland’s charity leading on outdoor access has upgraded and created a new footpath system at the popular tourist attraction with the aim of making it safer and more accessible to tourists and locals in the area.
The footpath network, which totals 300m combined, has faced the effects of increased footfall in recent years. It is hoped the restoration work carried out will help futureproof the area and protect the site for years to come.
The work is part of the Skye Iconic Sites Project (SISP), led by OATS with local assistance from the Skye Iconic Site Partnership, which promotes sustainable management practices while also ensuring a positive visitor experience. The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund, which is partially funded by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by NatureScot, is supporting 70% of the cost of this project across the three iconic sites on Skye.
With summer just around the corner, the paths were officially opened today (Friday 13 May) by Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy Kate Forbes ahead of the busy tourist season.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy Kate Forbes said: “It is great to see the Quiraing footpath restored, enabling visitors to the area to move around with ease. The new footpath means it is far more accessible for both locals and tourists to explore the beautiful sites across the Isle of Skye whilst protecting our natural environment.”
Dougie Baird, CEO of Outdoor Access Trust, added: “We are delighted to welcome Kate Forbes to officially open the restored Quiraing footpath. This upgrade will make a huge difference as we welcome visitors to enjoy everything this stunning area has to offer with improved accessibility while also protecting the local habitat. We are pleased to have reached this key milestone in the project, helping to protect these stunning sites for years to come.”
Eileen Stuart, Deputy Director Nature & Climate Change, NatureScot, said: “It’s wonderful to see this renowned path is now restored and open. We continue to support the Skye Iconic Sites Project in the work to improve the quality of the visitor experience at the popular locations of the Quiraing, the Fairy Pools and the Storr. Through our Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund, we encourage sustainable visitor management and employment opportunities in remote and rural areas.”
After completing the path works at the site, the charity aims to ensure that those who come to visit the area have improved accessibility. This includes access for wheelchair users on a 50m section of the path which leads out to a stunning viewpoint.
Habitat restoration activity at the Quiraing was also part of extensive work planned and managed by OATS and supported by the SISP. Part of the work included re-turfing of the pathways, which will be proactively managed by the charity to monitor the turfing over the coming year.
SISP is part of an almost £9 million Scottish programme of projects to invest in the Highlands and Islands to provide more and better-quality opportunities for visitors to enjoy natural and cultural heritage assets.
The work of OATS does not stop there, with activity currently underway at the Fairy Pools to install two bridges. The installation is part of the next phase of planned activity to take place at the site to ensure the pools will be safer to access and visit for tourists and locals travelling to the area.
ENDS
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Notes
The Skye Iconic Sites Project has a total budget of just under £1 million, having received £650,516 from the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF), led by NatureScot and part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Additional partnership funding was secured from the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS) (£98,793), Scottish Government Rural Payments Inspections Division (SGRPID) (£150,000), the Minginish Community Hall Association (£20,000), and Highland Council (£10,000).
The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF) is part of the Scottish Government’s current European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme, which runs through to 2023.
About Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland
The Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS) is a ground-breaking environmental charity promoting sustainable public access. It develops and implements path building and other outdoor access projects. For more information on OATS visit www.outdooraccesstrustforscotland.org.uk.
More information on the Skye Iconic Sites Project (SISP) can be found here: www.outdooraccesstrustforscotland.org.uk/projects/skye-projects.
About NatureScot and the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund
The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund is funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with an almost £9 million investment in the Highlands and Islands. The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund will invest in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland to: provide more and better quality opportunities for visitors to enjoy natural and cultural heritage assets; encourage people to visit some of the more remote and rural areas; and create and sustain jobs, businesses and services in local communities. The purpose of the Fund is to promote and develop the outstanding natural and cultural heritage of the Highlands and Islands in a way that conserves and protects them.
The natural heritage includes natural habitats and wildlife, geology and landscapes. Cultural heritage includes history, language, architecture, ancient monuments, historical sites and cultural landscapes and the sectors of theatre, arts and literature. There is a close link between these two and interests often overlap. They are important locally, and on a national and international scale.
They provide opportunities for the cultural and creative industries, environmental and tourism sectors.
The Scottish Government is the Managing Authority for the European Structural Funds 2014-20 Programme. For further information, visit their website or follow @scotgovESIF.
NatureScot is Scotland’s nature agency. We work to enhance our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it. Our priority is a nature-rich future for Scotland and an effective response to the climate emergency. For more information, visit NatureScot website or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nature_scot.
’S e NatureScot buidheann nàdair na h-Alba. Bidh sinn a’ neartachadh àrainneachd na h-Alba agus a’ brosnachadh dhaoine gu barrachd suim a chur ann an nàdar. Tha e mar phrìomhachas againn gum bi nàdar na h-Alba beairteach agus gun dèilig sinn gu h-èifeachdach le èiginn na gnàth-shìde. Tha an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh aig www.nature.scot no air Twitter aig www.twitter.com/nature_scot.