Interpretation encourages visitors to see Great Glen by boot, boat or bike

A £200,000 public access and interpretation project along the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen Way comes to fruition this week, as forty nine information and interpretation panels are installed as part of “The Great Glen Ways Initiative”.

The panels can be found at thirty one strategic locations along the Caledonian Canal and the Great Glen Way and form part of a major project to increase and improve public access and interpretation facilities along the Glen. The “Great Glen Ways” project incorporates not only the Great Glen Way, but also the Great Glen Mountain Bike Trails and the Caledonian Canal.

The main themes of the panels cover history, archaeology and folklore; forest management, natural history and wildlife and subjects are brought to life by fantastic illustrations and colourful photographs.

Locations which are home to the new panels include: terminii at Fort William and Inverness Castle, Banavie, Strone, Moy Bridge, Clunes, Kilfinnan, Laggan Locks, Invergarry Station, Well of the Seven Heads, Loch Oich Tunnel, Fort Augustus, Allt na Criche, Crannog Viewpoint, Allt Sigh, Foyer's view, Lewiston, Temple Pier, Tychat, Craig Nay Sawmill, Craig Nay Forest, Blackfold, Dochgarroch, Tomnahurich, Muirtown Locks and Basin.

Since 2005, as part of this project, work has been underway to improve navigation and way-marking and prepare top quality public interpretation. This work has been managed by The Highland Council in partnership with British Waterways Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. The European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) has contributed 45% of the project funding.

Councillor Drew Hendry, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Services said: “We want people to get out of their cars and get further afield by boot, boat or bike. Improved facilities means a better experience for all visitors to the Great Glen. This will encourage people to stay longer, to tell their friends and to visit again, thus supporting the local economy and local communities. The opportunities are fantastic and local people can enjoy the experience as much as visitors from further afield.”

Ailsa Andrews, Manager for British Waterways Scotland said: "The Great Glen Ways Initiative aims to ensure that visitors to The Great Glen Way walking route, the Great Glen mountain-bike trails and the Caledonian Canal have the best possible experience, and I have no doubt that these new interpretation boards will prove to be a fantastic resource which will help to enhance this experience still further."

Chris Wright, Area Officer for Scottish Natural Heritage said: “The new Great Glen Ways interpretive project installations will enhance the public’s enjoyment and appreciation of one of Scotland’s most celebrated and remarkable natural features  - ‘The Great Glen’. Scottish Natural Heritage is delighted to have been a partner in developing this project and we believe this high quality interpretive information will help ensure a memorable experience for visitors and and locals alike.”

Dennis Malone, Chief Executive of Highlands & Islands Partnership Programme said: "I am glad to see this addition to the already well utilised Great Glen Way.  The project links with previous EAGGF assisted initiatives, all aimed at improving access to the countryside and promoting the beautiful areas from Inverness to Fort William."