Towering above the Perthshire town of Pitlochry, the rugged slopes of Ben Vrackie are a familiar sight to tourists and locals alike.

For generations, the hillside path has lifted hikers above the maelstrom of everyday life and granted peace, perspective, and majestic views of the highland Perthshire countryside.

Unfortunately, the summer floods of 2021 left the path rutted and badly damaged. While intrepid walkers still make use of the trail, the surface has been left loose, uneven, and at risk of further damage.

Working with a range of stakeholders and community groups such as the Friends of Ben Vrackie (FoBV) Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) is managing the path repair project and the fundraising managing the path repair project and the fundraising needed in order to return the path to its former glory and future proof it for decades to come.

Seeking donations from the community, from local businesses, and from path users is a way to demonstrate the value of this asset, and we believe that a target of £2,500 is achievable. That said, the more money we can raise, the more metres of path we can improve!

Speaking ahead of the project start up, Bid Strachan (Communities Officer - PKCT) said:

The work required to repair and enhance the path is extensive and includes clearing loose material; transporting scree from across the hill via helicopter; resurfacing the existing path; and adding drainage and pitching on steeper sections to make sure the path can withstand both the elements and heavy use for many years.

Phase one of the project has begun with funding provided by: Perth and Kinross Council, The Gannochy Trust, Community Environment Challenge Fund, EB Scotland, Andie Millars' Trust, and PKCT's Supporting Big Tree Country Fund.

Despite this generosity, we need the help of Perthshire community and beyond to meet our funding target and ensure that Ben Vrackie gets the care and repair it desperately needs to remain accessible and enjoyable far into the future.

So if you can, please make a donation, shout about your good deed, and share this campaign far and wide.

Thank you,

Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust