A path which once formed part of the historic Dundee to Newtyle Railway is to receive a new lease of life.

Angus Council is to invest around £110,000 to reinstate the path for walkers and cyclists along a 3.3km length of disused railway from Birkhill towards Dronley.

Agreeing the investment, the council's Infrastructure Services Committee heard that the route was part of the Dundee to Newtyle Railway which opened in 1831, and was the first railway in the north of Scotland.


Over the years the surface of the path has deteriorated badly and vegetation, and the new funding will enable the route to be resurfaced and new vehicle entrance barriers to be installed.

The committee also heard that a grant aid application for the work has been submitted to Scottish Natural Heritage for a contribution towards the work of £20,000.

Infrastructure Services Convener David May said: "The disused railway forms an important link between the evolving path network around Birkhill/Muirhead and a path system within Dronley Wood, and complements work being carried out by community groups to establish a paths network within the area. "

(GK/JM)