Thurso man returns to Caithness to take on new role as manager of John O'Groats Trail
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The charity behind a new long-distance coastal walking route in the north Highlands has reached a new milestone in its ambitious plans.
Thurso man Kenneth McElroy will next month join Friends of the John O’Groats Trail to oversee the development of the 147-mile trail.
As its first paid employee, the community development specialist will be responsible for implementing the next phase of the project.
This will feature forming paths along some of the more challenging stretches and seeking out funding to both develop and maintain the coastal path.
Mr McElroy, an archaeology graduate from Glasgow University, brings several years’ experience in the north Highland tourism sector, with former roles with the Wild North Festival and North Coast 500.
He is also a director with Caithness Broch Project, which is aiming to build a full-size replica broch in the county.
The trail was conceived in 2014, since when volunteers have been reinstating overgrown and unpassable paths and erecting markers.
Contractors have also been hired to install styles and small footbridges along the way.
Mr McElroy (33), who is currently working in Oban, is looking forward to his new role and returning to his home area.
“I’m absolutely delighted to take the next step in my career, and hope I can do the area proud," he said.
"I’m a big believer in tourism – and especially slow tourism – as a regenerative, positive force for good, especially for an area like the Highlands.
"The trail offers so much – from fabulous coastal views, whale-watching and of course unbeatable archaeological wonders – and the opportunity to develop this further is a real privilege."
Friends chair and founder Jay Wilson said the appointment of its first manager represents a big step forward.
"We've now got to the point where most of the infrastructure is in place and the whole length of the trail is marked.
"We've gone just about as far as we can with relying on volunteers alone."
Mr Wilson said: "There are some very rough and difficult sections through fields and along clifftops which do put people off.
"It's not a built path – it's not like the Great Glen Walk or the West Highland Way."
Mr Wilson said making the route more accessible would open it up to many more to enjoy.
He said: "Instead of the high hundreds/early thousands a year we get, we could be targeting the tens of thousands who walk the West Highland Way."
Mr Wilson said there has been an encouraging upsurge in interest in the John O'Groats Trail following the easing of Covid restrictions.
He is encouraged by the progress since the charity started up in May 2016 and is happy to acknowledge the co-operation of many landowners.
The project has increased recreational opportunities but it has also boosted tourism and has provided work for a number of local contractors.
Funding for the new post has come from Caithness and North Sutherland Fund and the community benefit fund bankrolled by the Beatrice offshore wind farm fund.
