A group working to protect one of Skye’s most popular beauty spots has been given a boost of £16,750.
Mingish Community Hall Association (MCHA) – run by residents on Skye – has secured the cash from Postcode Local Trust, a charity which is funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, to improve the path leading to the pools.
The soaring popularity of the spot, which lies at the foot of the Black Cuillins, has put pressure on the current infrastructure which is unable to cope with the sheer number of tourists the area attracts.
The new footpath will be wider and more accessible, ensuring as many people as possible are able to enjoy the site. MCHA also plan to incorporate bridges along the new route, as well as viewpoints which are all designed to help improve the visitor experience.
Through educating the public with signage along the route, MCHA is hopeful to halt and reverse the current rate of vegetation degradation taking place, caused by lack of a proper pathway and understanding of the outdoors.
The group also received a share of £72,560 for the project in November from Paths for All.
Ian Blackford MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, said: “An accessible new path to the Fairy Pools will allow locals and tourists alike to get outdoors and take in its splendid natural beauty, while making sure this doesn’t come at the cost of the environment.”