A pathway extension project in north east Scotland has been recognised at an industry awards ceremony.

The Speyside Way extension in Cairngorms National Park was praised by judges at the 2016 Scottish Government Planning Awards.

The scheme involved building a 15-mile extension to one of the four official long distance walking routes in Scotland. The new path now takes the route from Aviemore to Ardgeal through new areas of pine and deciduous woodland.

The design and build phase of the project involved a range of partners including Scottish Natural Heritage, the communities and businesses along the route, Sustrans, Sport Scotland and Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund, as well as the design and path construction skills of the Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust.

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Over 6,000 people have now travelled the full length of the extension since it opened in September 2015. Work is now continuing to take the route further to Newtonmore.

Pete Crane, Head of Visitor Services at the CNPA said: "This project has involved a lot of committed and very determined people working unseen to ensure that we built the path on the best route for both visitors and local communities. It is very pleasing that this work has been recognised along with the support that we received from those communities and our Board in pursuing preferred route."

Eleanor Mackintosh, Convenor of Planning at CNPA, added: "We are delighted to have won this award. It is a great achievement and fantastic recognition for everyone involved in the Speyside Way extension right from the very start of the process."

(LM/MH)