More than 120km of pathways in Scotland's national parks are to be upgraded following a £3m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

A total of 41 paths will be restored and upgraded as part of the People and the Mountains project, and will cover a distance of 124.5km. The HLF confirmed an initial support grant of £3.28m for the scheme on Thursday (31 July).

The pathways, located in the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, have been eroded due to rainfall and heavy use.

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scotland, said: "Nature lies at the very heart of what makes Scotland special and its beauty attracts and ever-growing number of walkers, climbers and tourists each year. Although this is a significant boon to our tourist economy, we need to ensure that it doesn't damage the special environment that so many have come to enjoy.


"Our natural heritage offers a rich resource for skills and education so HLF is delighted that this project will offer training to many young people. Their newly-learned skills will not only make a positive difference to their own lives but will play an important part in looking after the future of Scotland's magnificent landscapes."

Dougie Baird, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust (COAT), added: "This is fantastic news for the partnership behind this project, and will allow us to develop a project that directly involves the people of Scotland in the care of the priceless mountain assets within both our National Parks."

Gregor Hutcheon, Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and COAT Board Member, commented: "The CNPA is immensely proud of the work and efforts of COAT and this significant funding will allow them take forward this innovative and exciting project that will have real benefits for visitors and land managers. It's great to be working together with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Park Authority to help safe guard some of the most iconic mountains in Scotland."

The Cairngorms National Park receives 1.4 million visitors each year and covers an area of 4,528 sq km. It is also home to five of the UK's highest mountains. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park welcomes 3.5 million visitors annually and covers an area of 1,865 sq km. It also includes 61 SSSIs and eight Special Areas of Conservation for the protection of rare and endangered habitats and species.

(JP/MH)