Heavy rain in the summer of 2021 left sections of the Ben Vrackie hillside path in desperate need of care and repair, particularly the section up to Poll gun Toin enroute to Loch a Choire.
The Friends of Ben Vrackie and Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) have launched a fundraising campaign to ensure Ben Vrackie gets the repairs and enhancement it needs to remain accessible and enjoyable to the many visitors attracted to this iconic hill in Pitlochry.
August 7th saw the work of collecting the stones for the path repair from the south face of Ben Vrackie. Given that the whole face is part of the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) great care was taken to select the right stone for the repair and to cause the least disturbance to the flora and fauna on the SSSI site. August 25th saw these materials lifted by helicopter to the path repair site by Skyhook, a company that specialising in Aerial Lifting. Many residents in Pitlochry were aware of this work taking place on the 25th.
There is now a ‘Just Giving’ campaign organised by PKCT if you are able to donate to this important work.
To donate, visit the JustGiving page.
The Ben Vrackie Footpath Restoration Project offers a great learning opportunity for local people who may wish to volunteer to work on this project. There is a plan to run five Training Days for local people. PKCT are particularly interested in attracting young people who may wish to improve their path building skills and so develop a professional interest in path building as a career pathway to future employment opportunities in this vital work across Scotland. This type of work may appeal to men and women who enjoy working outside and who enjoy a physical challenge.
If you think you may be interested in this training opportunity on Ben Vrackie, contact Bid Strachan, Communities Officer by email in the first instance. Bid.Strachan@pkct.org. We look forward to having you join us on the hill!
