A section of the Rob Roy Way near Pitlochry was upgraded last week thanks to donations from guests of the Fonab Castle Hotel.

Patrons of the luxury hotel on the outskirts of Pitlochry have the option of a discretionary donation to Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust’s “Supporting Perthshire’s Big Tree Country Scheme” on their bills, with the sum raised contributing to access projects both in the local area and across the region.

The recent repair works, carried out to old section of path owned by Forest and Land Scotland, saw the path surface improved, as well the installation of additional drainage ditches and culverts to ensure that the Rob Roy Way stands the test of time and remains one of Scotland’s Great Trails.

Sections of the Rob Roy Way before and after improvement work (c) PKCT

Speaking on success of the Supporting Big Tree Country Scheme Andy Barrie, Strategic Routes Officer (PKCT) said:

“PKCT’s Supporting Big Tree Country Scheme allows businesses in the area to raise funds to help protect, maintain, and improve access to the stunning natural landscape that we are blessed with in this part of the world.

We are extremely grateful to the Fonab Castle Hotel and their guests for the generosity as it has not just allowed us to partner with Forest and Land Scotland to carry out this repair work, but also to contribute £1000 to the volunteer-led Pitlochry Paths Group to support their ongoing work maintaining the Pitlochry path network."

Joanna Whysall, General Manager of the Fonab Castle Hotel added:

“We are delighted to contribute to the work of Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust and the activity of the Pitlochry Paths Group. Many of guests appreciate Pitlochry for its spot nestled within the stunning Highland Perthshire countryside so welcome the opportunity to make a simple donation to maintain and safeguard it for the future.”

Volunteers from the Pitlochry Paths Group hard at work (c) Pitlochry Paths Group

Reflecting on the donation from the Supporting Perthshire Big Tree Country Scheme, Andy Barrie added:

“In Pitlochry we are lucky to have a group of enthusiastic volunteers with the Pitlochry Paths Group who committed to keeping the area a great place to get out and about. This donation will help cover the costs of equipment, tools and material that the group need to make real and sustained improvements and repairs to the paths around the town. Thank you to everyone who contributed.”

Businesses interested in contributing to the Supporting Perthshire Big Tree Countryside Support Scheme can find out more HERE

For more information on the Pitlochry Paths Group and their activities, please see their Facebook page.

Pitlochry Paths Group Volunteer maintaining a path (c) Pitlochry Paths Group