Community / Not long left for folk to give views on walking route idea
THERE are only a few days left for people to air their views on a proposed ‘Shetland Way’ long distance walking route from Unst to Sumburgh.
A survey on the project is open until midnight on Thursday (14 April).
If anyone would prefer to answer the survey by phone or would like a paper version, they should contact 0131 297 7019 or ShetlandWay@stantec.com
The proposal, aimed at attracting tourists to Shetland as well as providing more walking opportunities for locals, has been simmering away for a number of years.
The proposed route from Sumburgh Head in the south to Hermaness in the north could include ‘visitor hubs’ along its length, to divide it into daily walkable sections and give access to attractions, accommodation, facilities and shops.
The project is being developed by VisitScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Shetland Islands Council, NatureScot and Shetland Tourism Association.
At a meeting of Lerwick Community Council on Monday VisitScotland Shetland development manager Steve Mathieson encouraged people to get involved in the consultation.
He stressed it is not just walking under consideration, with cycling and horse riding in the thinking too.
The meeting heard there is no route set in stone at this stage.
The survey is running as part of a feasibility study been carried out by consultancy company Stantec.
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