Bridge and path opened

A new bridge and riverside path at Glen Nevis near Fort William have been officially opened.

Local musician Robert Robertson, from Torlundy, the lead singer with the band Tide Lines, was invited to cut the ribbon and declare the new crossing open.

Then the skirl of the pipes could be heard all over the glen as the Lochaber Schools Pipe Band marched over the new bridge, followed by hundreds of local residents.

The £600,000 scheme to create an all-abilities path – almost a mile long – at the site as well as the new crossing in the shadow of Ben Nevis, was jointly led by the Nevis Partnership and Highland Council.

As a result, this part of Glen Nevis is now fully within reach of wheelchair users as well as elderly and frail visitors and families with

“People made the most of the day”

small children. GFG Estates – part of the GFG Alliance group which bought the Lochaber aluminium smelter and power stations last year along with the estate lands – sponsored the grand opening which included live music and community activities laid on near the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre.

Rain didn’t spoil the occasion as people made the most of the day and enjoyed trying out the new facilities.

The company has pledged to work with local groups to make best use of the land for the benefit of communities and the area’s economy.

The Heritage Lottery Fund, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Sportscotland, the Scottish Rural Development Programme and the Scottish Youth Hostel Association all contributed funds.