In the wake of Storm Eowyn there has been a trail of blocked roads and paths. The initial thrust, of course, was to clear public roads, farm access and other essential areas, but the blocked footpaths had to be left for the meantime.
One of the most popular paths for walkers on the island is the Tramway path from the Greenwood Crossing to Ettrick Bay, which also forms part of Butes West Island Way.
This was blocked by a great beech tree at the Greenwood Crossing and then again a few hundred yards further on, opposite the old manse.
On Saturday, February 1, a team of the Bute Conservation volunteers, under the watchful eye of Billy Shields, set about clearing this section of path.
It was not an easy task given the amount of timber that had to be carefully cut, moved and stacked, but three hours later the path was cleared and ready for walkers.
It should be noted that at this time the Cnocnicholl path from the old Mount Stuart Visitor Centre to the Moor Road is closed, as is the section of the West Island Way path from Bannatyne Mains Farm to the Ettrick Bay road.
Also, the path from the top of the Gortans down to Kames Terrace in Port Bannatyne (locally known as the Bogely Road) is passable with difficulty and not, at this time, to be encouraged.
Notice will be given when these paths are clear.
On a more positive note, the upgrading of the path through the Suidhe Wood from the Kilchattan Bay Community Orchard to the Plan Road has now been completed by the final muddy section being replaced with a path of hard core and finings.
This work was carried out by Stuart Strathie and his team and was funded by the Bute Conservation Trust through their grant from the Co-op Community Fund.
Another improvement for walkers on the island by the Bute Conservation Trust.
