A £200,000 public access and interpretation project along the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen Way came to fruition in January, as forty nine information and interpretation panels are installed as part of “The Great Glen Ways Initiative”.

The panels can be found at thirty one strategic locations along the Caledonian Canal and the Great Glen Way and form part of a major project to increase and improve public access and interpretation facilities along the Glen. The “Great Glen Ways” project incorporates not only the Great Glen Way, but also the Great Glen Mountain Bike Trails and the Caledonian Canal.

The main themes of the panels cover: history, archaeology and folklore; forest management, natural history and wildlife and subjects are brought to life by fantastic illustrations and colourful photographs.

Since 2005, as part of this project, work has been underway to improve navigation and way-marking and prepare top quality public interpretation. This work has been managed by The Highland Council in partnership with British Waterways Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. The European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) has contributed 45% of the project funding.

Councillor Drew Hendry, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Services said: “We want people to get out of their cars and get further afield by boot, boat or bike. Improved facilities means a better experience for all visitors to the Great Glen. This will encourage people to stay longer, to tell their friends and to visit again, thus supporting the local economy and local communities. The opportunities are fantastic and local people can enjoy the experience as much as visitors from further afield.”