Full steam ahead to way opening
St Fillans Community Trust members are celebrating the opening of another section of the Loch Earn Railway Path.
The aim of the project is to create a high-quality walkway between Lochearnhead, St Fillans and Comrie – eventually forming part of the Pilgrim’s Way from Iona to St Andrews.
To date the project spend has been in excess of £1million.
Trust chair Cecil Smylie officially opened the latest section of the path.
Along with his dog, Mr Smylie uses the path every day on his mobility scooter and he was pleased to see these vital improvements being made.
Geoff Carter, who is also involved with the project, said:“The opening went really well and it was great to see so many enthusiastic and happy faces.
“It’s lovely to have these formal occasions as they give us the opportunity to thank everyone for all their help, hard work and support.
“The main achievement in delivering this short section was to open up the locked tunnel. This now gives a safe and scenic path, providing easy access from one end of our village to the other.”
Kenny Auld ,from the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, said:“This project is a great example of a community driving forward their own aspirations and working with the public and third sector to deliver a path which will be used daily by all types of residents and visitors to the village. There was a good turnout for the opening of the Loch Earn Railway Path Project’s latest stage
“We have no doubt that the project will bring health and economic benefits to the village and look forward to supporting the community as they work towards a link to Lochearnhead.
“One of our key aims is to support projects which help people get out and get active in the national park.”
Marie Davis, from Sustrans, added:“Since 2013 we have been involved in funding the improvements of the route running from Lochearnhead to Dalchonzie. We are delighted to see that the improvements to the disused railway path at St Fillians have made it easier and safer for more people to walk and cycle along the route. We hope to continue working with the St Fillans Community Trust to see the full extent of the route completed.”