Strathearn path project in the running for national award

A community scheme set up to boost the number of people walking and cycling between two Perthshire villages has been shortlisted for a national award.

The Loch Earn Railway Path project created a four-mile trail between St Fillans and Dalchonzie, on the outskirts of Comrie – the first off-road link between the two settlements.

Anyone who wanted to walk or cycle the distance previously had to navigate a busy trunk road.

The initiative is one of six finalists for the Transport Planning Society’s inaugural People’s Award, which recognises projects that have had a positive impact on communities.

Lynda Addison, chairwoman of the society, said: “We’re delighted with the wide range of entries we received from communities across the United Kingdom.

“It was very hard to reach a final shortlist and the calibre of submissions was good.

“The whole process, from judging to the final winner, sends a positive message about what is important to communities in terms of transport and best practice in community engagement in transport planning.

“This award recognises the projects and initiatives that have made a genuine contribution to improving people’s accessibility, quality of life and wellbeing and have made such a huge difference to their local communities.”

All finalists were invited to a ceremony in the House of Commons last week, hosted by Lilian Greenwood, MP and chairwoman of the Transport Select Committee.

The winner will be announced on Tuesday November 13 in London.