Funding lets Perth High join Cycling Without Age movement.

Organisers at Perthshire’s newest path network, which comprises four routes in and around Kirkmichael village, are hoping the public will back a fundraising drive.

Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT), which developed and maintains the Kirkmichael path network, hopes to improve signage, carry out maintenance and commission a new map showing all 10 miles of routes.

Now the routes have been adopted as a “Co-op Cause” which means shoppers at their Pitlochry store can vote for this cause as worthy for funding and also make donations.

Morag Watson, PKCT manager, explained the importance of the path network locally.

“Visitors taking part in outdoor activities provide vital income to the rural economy of Kirkmichael,” she said.

“The whole community benefits from having access to the path network for dog walking, mountain biking, running and walking.

“Funds raised from this Co-op Cause will go a long way to helping us make the Kirkmichael path network as accessible as possible for locals and outdoor enthusiasts.”

Launched in December 2016, the four paths range in length from a short, riverside walk to a longer one through Kindrogan Forest, which is ideal for mountain bikers, horse riders and those after a long-distance ramble.

The walks give a chance to see abundant wildlife from ospreys to pine martens, remnants of the houses occupied by people in the Bronze Age and recently rediscovered Victorian garden features.

Co-op shoppers will be able to vote for the path network until October 27 next year,