Construction work has been completed on a new £71,000 Ballater path at Cairngorms National Park.

Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment, Mairi Gougeon MSP, officially opened the path yesterday, 24 July, as a part of National Parks Week (23-29 July).

The new stretch of path, on the south side of the River Dee, was constructed after the area was badly affected by flooding following Storm Frank in 2015. It encompasses three quarters of a mile from the entrance to Pannanich Woods past the Mackenzie Memorial to the Bridge of Muick.

Work was completed by Scottish Outdoor Access Trust with funding from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and the Scottish Rural Development Programme.

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Mairi Gougeon MSP said: "Scotland's National Parks are central to the conservation of our diverse natural habitats, environmental sustainability, and rural economic development and recreation. I was therefore delighted to take in the sights and sounds of the Cairngorms National Park as part of National Parks Week today, seeing the beautiful scenery, helping to open a stretch of path, and meeting some wonderful and dedicated people. I would encourage everyone, to get out and visit our National Parks as they are truly stunning."

The Minister also visited the restoration works at the Old Royal Station and the newly refurbished Discovery Centre in Tomintoul Square during her visit.

Peter Argyle, CNPA Convener added: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome the new Minister for Rural Affairs and Natural Environment to the Cairngorms National Park during National Parks Week, helping her to discover more about the Park and the types of initiatives happening on the ground. The series of wide ranging visits today clearly demonstrate the vast array of multi partnership projects – as well the multi-million pound investments – that are happening here, supporting our areas of work in conservation, visitor experience and rural development.

"We are particularly pleased that she has been able to open a new path in Deeside today which will provide a much safer route for walkers and cyclists in the future."

(CM/MH)