A team of eight college students have been learning path-making skills on Skye.
The students from West Highland College UHI’s Broadford campus have been how to build cross drains, water bars and other footpath drainage features in the hills above Sligachan.
They are working towards their crofting and countryside skills part of the certificate and the pathwork is being supervised by Donald MacKenzie, a footpath expert from Glenelg.
Course leader and lecturer, Heather McNeill said: “We do seven big tasks a year on the course, including fencing, putting up a polytunnel, dry stone walling and other activities. The footpath project is introducing the students to another type of outdoor skill that is important in this area.
“The students come from a range of backgrounds and age groups from teens to forties. Some want to change their direction in life. Others have a croft or will be inheriting a croft and a few have moved into the area and want to work on the land here.”
Mr MacKenzie who has worked on footpaths for 30 years said: “Footpath work can be tough, especially in howling gales and driving rain, but if you love the hills as I do it can be a great way to make a living.
“Hopefully at least some of the students will be inspired to go to further training and gain the kind of skills that will allow them to work and live locally.”