Popular town path receives makeover
A riverside footpath in Nairn used by around 10,000 people each year was formally re-opened today (Wednesday 27th February) by Highland Councillor Liz MacDonald, Provost of Nairn.
The 2.5km circular path from Riverside Park to Firhall Bridge has been upgraded with £35,000 from The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Capital Projects Fund and £20,000 from Scottish Natural Heritage.
The Highland Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services carried out works on the popular path which included widening it to 1.5m wide with a good cambered surface of local crushed stone and quarry dust; tree pruning and vegetation clearance and drainage improvements. Eighteen new benches have also been installed along the length of the route.
The project was co-ordinated by John Orr, The Highland Council’s Countryside Ranger who liaised between Council services and SNH. The result is a path of very high quality which, with careful maintenance should last for many years and allow people from Nairn and further afield good access to this beautiful riverside area.
The popularity of the path is due to its location which follows the River Nairn (a popular fishing beat) and affords a rural setting with open vistas that are close to the town Centre. Wildlife such as red squirrel; dippers, goosanders, and otters are often sited along its route and the diverse mix of tree species and plants that grow along the route add to its visual appeal.
Provost MacDonald said: “Nairn Riverside Path is a truly special place that is well used by locals and visitors to the area. I am delighted that the Council in partnership with SNH have been able to improve the condition and access of the footpath to make is an even more enjoyable natural resource for the community.”
Zoe Taylor, Scottish Natural Heritage's area officer, confirmed: "Paths such as this are important if people are to access and enjoy local wildlife. We are very pleased to have been able with the council to have played a key role in making this possible."