Big investment to improve condition of heritage trail

Perth and Kinross Council has pledged “significant” funding to help maintain Loch Leven Heritage Trail.

The 13-mile trail is one of region’s most popular attractions and had around 200,000 visitors in 2020.

But recent flooding and an increased footfall has taken its toll on the popular path.

At Perth and Kinross Council’s special budget meeting on March 10, councillors agreed to £160,000 of funding for resurfacing works and repairs to the trail.

Announcing the investment at last week’s budget meeting Conservative council leader Murray Lyle said: “The cold weather combined with local flooding has severely damaged the condition of the Loch Leven Heritage Trail.

“This is a significant tourist attraction and it has been well used during the pandemic as a popular place for outdoor exercise. It is therefore important that it is maintained and accessible for local residents and tourists alike.

“As a result, we are investing money to improve the path surface, address drainage issues and widen the path. We hope that this significant investment of £160,000 will lever in external funding from local charities.”

Kinross-shire Lib Dem councillor Willie Roberston welcomed the investment, explaining how he wrote to the council asking if they would provide some funding and was “delighted” the administration was happy to do that.

He said since the trail opened in 2014 it had brought increasing numbers of tourists to the loch.

Cllr Roberston said: “It’s a big economic driver there. There are areas prone to flooding and areas needing widened. I’m delighted.”