Call for volunteers to help clear Carbisdale paths
Sited close to a imposing castle and with stunning views, it could be a magnet for visitors.
But Carbisdale Forest walking and bike trails have become sadly overgrown and neglected in recent years
Now four organisations have banded together in a bid to bring the tracks back to their former glory,.
Culrin and District Hall Committee has joined forces with Highland Council, Forestry and Land Scotland and Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust.
Representatives from three of the groups walked the pathways on October 9 to assess their condition.
And now an appeal has gone out to members of the public to support a volunteer day on Sunday to help bring the trails back to life.
Around four miles long, the trails form an extensive network in the woodand next to Carbisdale Castle with links to Invercharron wood and also over the Kyle of Sutherland via the viaduct to Invershin and Balblair Woods.
One visitor who visited for the first time posted online: “This walk was absolutely fantastic with stunning views onto the Kyle of Sutherland, great views of the castle, magical waterfalls, a beautifully still lochan and mysterious lichen-decked woodland.”
The trails are also in an area of historical significance. The now privately owned Carbisdale Castle, formerly a youth hostel, was originally built for Mary Caroline, second wife of the third Duke of Sutherland.
And an area of woodland was the site of the Battle of Carbisdale in 1650 and the last battle of James Graham, the first Marquis of Montrose, a highly influential figure in Scottish history.
Anyone willing to help bring the trails back to their former glory is asked to meet at Carbisdale car park at 10am. Tools will be provided. Bring a packed lunch but tea and cake will be provided in the hall from 4pm. All are welcome - apart that is from dogs.
