Shared vision the key to success for Peffery Way link between Dingwall and Strathpeffer as historic Path Order marks a major milestone
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THE ambitious vision of a safe, off-road, all-abilities path linking two key Ross-shire communities was a “glint in the eye” when first mooted over 20 years ago.
Obstacles aplenty have stood between the vision and execution of the link between Strathpeffer and Dingwall – planning permission; securing landowner agreements and funding amongst them.
The dogged determination down the years of a team of volunteers with a single-minded drive to get the job done for the greater good has seen dramatic progress.
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Solid public support – both local and from distant corners of the world – cheered Peffery Way Association trustees and members when the going got tough.
And a surge in use of completed sections of the route during the coronavirus crisis highlighted the growing appreciation of what promises to be a huge public asset for recreational users and active travel commuters alike.
And then last week, Highland Council revealed it has successfully obtained a Path Order for The Peffery Way to remove another obstacle to a route now essentially 90 per cent complete.
The Path Order confirmed by the Scottish Government is understood to be only the second required since the enactment of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
It became necessary after negotiations with landowners failed to proceed.
It paves the way for a vital link of 161m at the Dingwall end of the six km route.
Dingwall and Seaforth committee chairman, Councillor Graham MacKenzie, said the community-led project “will bring environmental and health and wellbeing benefits” whilst offering a safe active travel route.
Peffery Way Association chairman, Ron McAulay, voiced delight and gratitude to Highland Council for its support and work in presenting the Path Order to the Scottish Government.
He said: “We will now continue to work with the council to get the barriers at the Dingwall end of the path removed and the path constructed over this short section.
“Once complete, we will have one remaining section of the path to open-up and build.
“We are working on obtaining permission for this section, along with raising the necessary funds to carry out the remainder of the works to complete the route.”
He said the local authority’s support was down to its belief the project serves the greater good.
The retired civil engineer said: “I’m one of these optimistic people. When I take on a project, I always contemplate that it’s going to happen.”
He said the eight trustees and 140 members of the PWA make up a great team with a wide variety of useful skills and a shared goal.
“The determination of that team has meant it is definitely going to happen,” he said.
And he acknowledged: “The thing that has kept us going has been the positive feedback we get.
“I just want to be able to cycle from Strathpeffer to Tesco in Dingwall safely to get my shopping!”
He acknowledged the “excellent support” of Dingwall Academy head Karen Cormack and noted that in terms of active travel to school – by bicycle or foot, for example – the only place it’s currently NOT safely possible from is Strathpeffer.
That has doubled the determination of activists who have witnessed tragedies on treacherous sections of road between the communities.
Volunteer days have played a key role in maintaining progress and also provided a social outlet for helpers to meet like-minded folk. He said a number of landowners had been very supportive and that funds have come from a wide variety of sources including grants, the lottery and donations from grateful well-wishers at home and abroad.
To find out more or donate to the project, see http://pefferyway
association.scot/
The path order can be read on the Highland Council website
