THE FUTURE of the popular walking trail, Puck’s Glen, is scheduled to come under discussion between officials, forestry and tourism leaders and Argyll and Bute Council.
The move follows the confirmation the glen will not reopen this year because of the devastating consequences of Storm Eowyn in January last year.
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is responsible for its management and told this newspaper there had been extensive damage caused by the storm itself, and then subsequent heavy rainfall added to the impact on the ground and the canopy.
Dunoon councillor William Sinclair has long supported Puck’s Glen and was disappointed to realise it could not reopen without substantial investment.
However, he said he would continue to fight for the trail and has now secured a key meeting of the partners who could work together to formulate a solution for Puck’s Glen.
Councillor Sinclair raised the issue at the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee of Argyll and Bute Council. It was discussed as part of the tourism strategy for Argyll and Bute.
A meeting has now been agreed, although the date has yet to be confirmed, between FLS, councillors and Argyll and Bute Council’s economic development team.
An FLS spokesperson said: “We are continuing to work with stakeholders and potential partners to develop a longer-term plan for the site, and feedback from a survey aimed at local businesses, residents and other groups on the Cowal peninsula will be considered in developing plans for the site.”
Councillor Sinclair has suggested if the council agrees to operate a visitor levy (also known as a tourist tax), funding from that could be directed towards helping to save and protect Puck’s Glen.
“There are many conversations to be had about this scheme (the visitor levy), but if it is introduced and spend is being allocated, then Puck’s Glen is what you could call shovel-ready for real support.
“Puck’s Glen is really important for Dunoon and Cowal.”
