CONTINUING concerns about public safety are being cited as the reason why the top-rated tourist attraction of Pucks Glen will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
A consultation over the impact of the shutdown and the future of Pucks Glen has been launched by its operators, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS).
It is seeking opinion but also help to identify and raise funds for the upkeep of the popular walking trail.
The glen was hit hard by Storm Eowyn in 2025 and subsequent storms have led to further erosion. Additional windblown and fallen trees, along with hidden hazards such as undermined paths and steps, are causing potential problems for visitors. FLS say there is also a high risk of landslips and falling rocks.
FLS told this newspaper these risks mean the ongoing trail closure is essential for visitor safety.
Teams from FLS continue to monitor the gorge and are carrying out maintenance tasks to help prevent further damage. The bulk of the work to clear fallen trees and repair the path is a complex, expensive and long-term task.
The area visitor services manager for FLS in its central regional group is Gill Walker. She said: “We understand that people are upset that this much-loved gorge continues to be off limits. We share that feeling, which is why we are exploring available options to restore this magical and beautiful place.
“One of those options is determining the appetite from local communities to get involved, perhaps a Friends of type group, to help us take things forward as a development project.”
Her message is making it clear FLS is not expecting groups of interested parties to start physical work on the ground. Rather, it is a call to help identify funding sources to maintain and operate Pucks Glen for future visitors.
Gill Walker said: “A community-based group would be able to access funds that we can’t.
“The complex nature and extent of the work needed to restore Pucks Glen is beyond our limited resource capacity to fix quickly, so we need to be open to how we can make progress.”
This newspaper approached Cowal councillor William Sinclair (Liberal Democrat) for his reaction to the consultation and continuing closure. He has yet to respond.
Previously, he said he was furious about the lack of a scheduled date for re-opening and wanted to assure his constituents that Pucks Glen was now his number one priority.
Cowal businesses, residents and other groups are welcome to give their views to FLS by completing the short online survey at: https://www.research.net/r/pucksglen. The survey will close on March 29.
