Work to complete a £3m, 12.5 mile heritage trail around Loch Leven in Kinross-shire has begun, according to the BBC.

Currently, those using the route can only get three-quarters of the way around before they have to use a busy road, without a pavement, to make their way back to their vehicles.

However, additional funding and successful negotiations with the local landowners means the final four mile section can finally be constructed.

The section will connect the gap between Vane Farm and Lochleven Mills and includes its highest point - a hillock at the south west corner of the RSPB's Loch Leven Reserve.

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The Rural Access Committee of Kinross-shire (Tracks), which is running the project, said it would give the trail's best view of the loch and surrounding area.

It is understood the final section of the project will cost £800,000, with the principal backer being the Heritage Lottery Fund. Further contributions have been made from Scottish Natural Heritage, the Arthur and Margaret Thompson Trust, the Gannochy Trust and Sustrans.

Neil Kilpatrick, project director at the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, is quoted as saying: "It has taken over a year of patient negotiations with the relevant landowners to get to this stage and now we're very excited that the end is in sight.

"In keeping with the rest of the trail, this final section will feature high quality design helping people to get the best from the natural heritage and historical features of the area."

(JP/MH)