River path restored
Hard work of t ownsfolk pays off as walk re-opens
Work costing more than £100,000 to restore a popular walkway at Dunblane has been completed.
A section of the riverside walk, the path that runs along the banks of the Allanwater just below Dunblane Cathedral, had been fenced off and closed to the public since 2011. It was washed away by the river in full flow following a period of extreme wet weather.
Townsfolk, led by Dunblane Development Trust, have been working to see the walk restored and reopened as it is popular with both residents and visitors.
Stirling Council set aside £100,000 for the project while Dunblane Development Trust obtained a £10,000 grant from the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environment Trust and raised over £2,000 from public donations.
Council environment convenor Danny Gibson, said:“We know how important this part of Dunblane is to the community.
“It is a jewel in the crown of their visitor offering which is why we have pledged such a significant sum.
“Stirling Council is delighted to support the community’s aspirations and efforts to have the Riverside Walk restored and reopened. This is an excellent example of the council, community and funding partners working together to benefit the area.”
Chairman of Dunblane Development Trust Dougal Thornton said “After years of campaigning and effort by the trust’s volunteers, the local community will be delighted that the reinstatement of this valued riverside walkway has now been completed.”
Terry Barlow, Chair of CSET, said: “Helping communities to access and appreciate their heritage and environment are key criteria for the Trust when considering applications for funding. The restoration of the Riverside Walk in Dunblane, is an excellent example of a communities’ goal to restore what is important to their area.”