The Highland Council has announced that its Outdoor Access Team has successfully completed a number of small-scale projects to improve active travel on core paths.

HITRANS (the Highlands & Islands Transport Partnership) awarded £30,000 for the projects from its Path Improvement Fund.

Chair of the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee and HITRANS Board Member Cllr Ken Gowans said: "The core paths all over the Highlands are used every day by thousands of people. Whilst most are for recreational use, a large number also connect people to work, school, shops, transport and other services.

"The core path network varies in standard but often only needs some sections of maintenance rather than full construction. Our Access Officers identified eight core paths geographically spread across the Highland linking to services that needed small-scale improvement works. I'd like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and HITRANS for providing the funding. I'm sure the improvements will be appreciated by everyone using the routes."

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The projects range from Thurso to Fort William and from Nairn to Broadford.

The largest single project of £5,500 was spent at Borve near Portree. Here, vegetation was cleared and drainage improved so the old road can now be used as a cycleway parallel to the busy road to Uig. The work used local contractor Skye Conservation Ltd who specialise in doing path construction work.

Other projects include the link path between Knockfarrel village and Strathpeffer, the old railway line east of Muir of Ord, the approach to the Invershin bridge and at Culloden.

HITRANS were keen to help fund this aspect of active travel. HITRANS Active Travel Project Manager, Vikki Trelfer said: "Hitrans were really pleased to support The Highland Council on these projects. The improvement of these paths for everyday use makes it easier and comfortable to walk, cycle or wheel, which is essential to try to reduce car dependency."