Local firm starts work on community-led Rothes Way vision
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A COMMUNITY-LED vision to build a new Speyside footpath is making tracks as work begins on the first section of the Rothes Way.
The Rothes Way Association was formed last year to lead the project to provide a safe three-mile path for walkers and cyclists from Rothes to Craigellachie.
G&A Construction, part of the local Forsyths group, started work this month on the section from Rothes up to the Bulwark, just over a mile out of the village. The company has generously offered to carry out the job free of charge.
The Rothes Way will be a multi-use, all-accessible path linking the two villages, which will, for the most part, follow the line of the former Morayshire railway.
The route will offer walkers and cyclists a scenic alternative to the busy A941 main road as well as provide a link to the Speyside Way from Craigellachie to Aberlour and beyond.
The total estimated cost of planning, designing and constructing the path is £320,000, with more than £141,000 raised so far. The project has to date been awarded funding from Berry Burn Community Fund, Rothes Windfarm, Ian MacLeod Distillers and Speyburn Distillery. Just last week the group was awarded £10,000 from The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation and another £10,000 from The Adam Family Foundation.
The association is now working on securing funding for the next path section.
It has also organised its first fundraiser – an online whisky auction starting on Wednesday, April 28. Bottles of whisky which have been donated by residents and local distilleries will be auctioned under the Rothes Way charity.
The auction will be run by local business Speyside Whisky Auctions, which has offered to waive any fees and donate commission.
Rothes Way Association member Keith Kingham is a long-time advocate for the footpath. He heads the volunteers of the maintenance crew, who will carry out regular inspections and repairs to the path.
Mr Kingham said: "I am delighted that after so many years, the path is now under way.
"It will be a huge boost for Rothes and the wider region in terms of health and wellbeing, but also local tourism.
"Given the proximity to the recently upgraded Speyside Way and other local paths, the Rothes Way would open up all kinds of possibilities.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank members past and present who have worked tirelessly to make this path a reality and for the amazing support we have had from the community."
The group hopes to see the first two miles of the path completed by autumn this year.
More information on the project can be found on the website at www.rothesway.com.
