Two new bridges are being installed at one of Skye's most popular beauty spots to help improve accessibility and safety measures.
The new steel and timber clad bridges will be built at the Fairy Pools, allowing access in all weathers for those less able or confident to cross the existing stepping-stones.
Part of the Skye Iconic Sites Project (SISP) – an almost £9 million Scottish programme of projects to invest in the Highlands and Islands to provide more and better-quality opportunities for visitors to enjoy natural and cultural heritage assets – the work will see habitat restoration and development of three of Skye’s most used sites including the Quiraing, Old Man of Storr and Fairy Pools.
Last year, £800,000 was invested in the development of a 140-space car park and off-grid toilet block at the Fairy Pools.
The completion of the new bridges, which span approximately 11m and are steel beam and timber clad, is the next phase of planned activity to take place at the site.
Dougie Baird, CEO of Outdoor Access Trust Scotland (OATS), who are leading the project, said: “The Fairy Pools are a much loved and enjoyed tourist attraction for visitors all across the globe, the newly installed bridges will make a huge difference in improving accessibility for visitors, particularly for when the burn is high and difficult for many to cross to reach the Pools.
“People will now be able to safely enjoy them no matter the weather, especially those with less confidence or mobility issues, and enjoy the scenery. This and the other ongoing work as part of SISP is vastly improving the visitor experience to Skye’s special sites.”
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