Keepers of an Inverness beauty spot are appealing for the public’s support as they rally to secure funding for a new boardwalk.
A team of conservationists have been dedicating their time at Merkinch Local Nature Reserve to make good on repairs to help strengthen the path to secure its future.
Around 70% of the funding has already been secured from Sustrans, with the remainder sought through Highland Council’s common good fund.
The group has now issued a public appeal to help gather widespread backing for the extensive development.
Caroline Snow, project manager for the reserve, said: “We want to know the public are behind us.
“I think the boardwalk is wonderful, I think the nature reserve is wonderful, but I think it’s important that people understand that it’s not going to be £25,000 that fixes that.”
The 30-year-old wooden structure fell into a state of disrepair and was closed in August.
Ms Snow added: “I have not seen a huge amount of investment going on in South Kessock and Merkinch for the people who live there and I think the local community are what’s important.”
A spokesman for Sustrans Scotland said: “The boardwalk provides a fantastic viewpoint to spot local plants and wildlife – particularly the large colony of herons – and is a busy and important traffic-free route for people walking, cycling and wheeling to and from South Kessock.”
A council spokeswoman said: “All applications will be considered by the Inverness common good fund sub-committee on Monday, November 2.”