SSEN Funds Create a Safer Walking Route to Keiss Castle

The creation of a safer walking route to Keiss Castle, including installation of safety fencing, is the result of a collaboration between Sinclair’s Bay Trust, Sinclair’s Bay Community Council, the John o’Groats Trail and local farmers, Scott and Douglas Webster.

Our board member, William Munro, said, “We found ourselves the recipient of funds from SSEN. This money was to be used on community projects and administered in collaboration with Sinclair’s Bay Community Council”. Sinclair’s Bay Trust and Sinclair’s Bay Community Council formed a working group earlier this year, identifying a number of projects within the Sinclair’s Bay area which would benefit from an injection of funds – fencing at Keiss Castle was at the top of the list as the area has been a source of concern for both the Trust and Community Council. Thanks to this project, the area around Keiss Castle now benefits from robust fencing, a gated double fenced lane and a viewing area with a fenced perimeter installed by fencing contractor George Shearer.

 

An official ribbon cutting ceremony, which marked the project as complete, took place last Friday, 3rd October with key stakeholders (pictured) present. (L-R: Scott Webster (farmer), George Shearer (fencing contractor), William Munro (director of Sinclair’s Bay Trust), Maysie Calder (chairperson of Sinclair’s Bay Trust) and Laura Gray (John o’Groats Trail Manager).

 

We couldn’t have put it better than the quote from our chairperson, Maysie Calder, provided for the press release:

 

“The recent collaboration between the John ‘Groat Trail team, local land managers, contractors and community organisations clearly demonstrates how quickly positive change can be achieved when we work together. We are proud to support the Trail and look forward to walking this newly improved section”.

 

With thanks to all involved and to the funders, SSEN, who made the project possible.