Rannoch’s much-loved riverside paths are being made more accessible for everyone of all ages and abilities thanks to support from SSE Renewables.

They have contributed over £40,000 towards the Rannoch Riverside All Abilities Path project, which aims to create more accessible paths down to and alongside the River Tummel. It includes improved signage and will link to the wider local path network.

The funding was awarded by SSE Renewables via their Sustainable Development Fund in Perth and Kinross, which allows the benefits of their renewable energy developments to be accessible to a wider area and is directed to projects that can achieve significant impact in local communities, like Kinloch Rannoch.

Additional funding for the project was awarded through Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme, an active travel infrastructure fund backed by the Scottish Government which aims to increase everyday walking, wheeling and cycling journeys throughout Scotland, and Avondale Environmental as part of the NPL Group through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.

The Rannoch Riverside All Abilities Path Project is being managed by Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) in partnership with Cycling Scotland’s Transport Planning & Engineering (TP&E) and the Rannoch Paths and Open Spaces Group (RPOSG) to enhance the local environment for everyone.

Annie Benson, RPOSG Chair, commented:

This is another significant show of support from local funders for this accessible riverside path project, which will make such a difference for the local community and visitors wanting to explore the lovely path along the River Tummel and the wider path network around the village.

Bid Strachan, PKCT Communities Officer, said:

We are very excited that this All-Abilities Path Project is near completion. The access beside the bridge to the riverside path was limiting to many users due to the steep incline and steps, and the riverside path itself was unsurfaced making it unpassable to many after adverse weather.

We want everyone of all ages and abilities to be able to enjoy the special qualities of this location, and by upgrading this route we shall achieve that aim.

Marianne Townsley, SSE Renewables’ Community Investment Manager said:

The Sustainable Development Fund creates a long-term source of funding in the region, and it supports legacy projects that will make a difference for many years to come. We are delighted to provide this grant to PKCT and their partners so they can develop this new accessible path in Kinloch Rannoch which will help build sustainable tourism whilst benefitting the local community and visitors alike.

Work commenced late February 2022 and is due to finish in May 2022.