The £230,000 project to upgrade Provost Walk in Auchterarder from a muddy and uneven track to a modern, multi-user path suitable for walkers, cyclists and wheelchairs officially opened this past Friday, 30 June.

Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) invited members of the local community path group, funders, Perth & Kinross Council staff and elected representatives to celebrate what has already been achieved in phase one of this project and highlight the exciting next phase of the upgrade that will get underway in the autumn.

The launch event included a stroll along 750 metres of the upgraded path and a glimpse of the adjoining 500 metre section of path that will be upgraded in phase two.

PKCT Manager Morag Watson said of the project:

“The overwhelming support we’ve had from the local community and funders for the Provost Walk project has been very encouraging and enjoyable.

“The lights placed along the new path will mean the local community can continue to use the path safely after dark and as the days get shorter in the autumn and winter months.

“Upgraded handrail and steps at Broadwood View will allow for better access to the path, and the placement of benches will allow visitors to take a break and enjoy the wonderful outdoors of the area.

“Phase two of upgrades will include upgrading the path between Coalbore Well and the Jubilee Park to a multi-user sealed surface path as constructed in phase one and overseen by our Communities Officer Bid Strachan.”

Explaining the importance of the Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER support, Jackie Brierton the LAG chair said:

“The award of £50,000 towards this community project is one of a number benefitting from the £3.8 million share of LEADER and Scottish Government funds available for the development of rural communities and enterprise in Perthshire until 2020. This is an important project which will improve access to the town centre along a route which is now accessible for all, as well as enhancing health and wellbeing through encouraging members of the community to walk and cycle and we are pleased we have been able to support it.”

Tom Bishop, Sustrans Scotland Community Links Manager said:

“This upgrade to Provost Walk is the first of a number of improvements to the path network in Auchterarder which we hope will encourage more residents and visitors to the town to travel by foot or by bike.

“The project has involved a great number of partners working together and we look forward to continuing to support this partnership in the coming year”

Phase one of the Provost Walk upgrade was funded by the Auchterarder Common Good Fund, Auchterarder Community Facilities Fund, Auchterarder & District Community Trust, Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER Programme, SUSTRANS, Tactran and PKCT.

Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust: Founded in 1997, Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) is an independent charity that negotiates access to land, builds footpaths, helps care for the countryside and undertakes conservation projects; all to improve and promote access to the countryside for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. PKCT is supported by The Gannochy Trust, Perth & Kinross Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland. www.pkct.org

 

About the Rural Perth and Kinross LEADER Fund

The new LEADER, (‘Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l'Économie Rurale’), Rural Development programme for Perth and Kinross was launched on Thursday 14 January 2016. 

Approximately £3.8 million of EU and Scottish Government SRDP (Scottish Rural Development Programme) funding is being invested in the local area between 2014 and 2020, bringing a boost to communities and the rural economy.

The funding will be directed towards the priorities identified in the Rural Perth and Kinross LEADER Programme Development Strategy and Business Plan, with the aim of helping to create a long-term legacy of vibrant, healthy and inclusive rural communities. The priorities include Community Capacity Building, Rural Broadband, Youth Initiatives, Farm Diversification, Rural Enterprise and there are Open Challenge and Co-operation Projects Funds also.

Funding is allocated by the Rural Perth and Kinross Local Action Group, (LAG). This independent body consists of representatives from local businesses and public sector and third sector organisations.

Anyone can apply: www.PKLeader.org , Facebook @PerthKinrossLEADERFunding, Twitter @P_KLeader #PKLeader

Additional funder logos: