AUGUST 2014
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The
The Voice of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre & St Fillans
New C ycle Track Opens On a beautiful sunny morning in Balquhidder a plethora of bicycles appeared at Mhor 84 and their owners disappeared to indulge in scrummy scones and coffee and listen to speeches marking the official opening of the cycle track between Strathyre and Balquhidder. Linda McKay, Convenor of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, welcomed everyone to celebrate the completion of the new 3.5km route linking Strathyre and Balquidder. She acknowledged that the route was
something the local communities had long campaigned for and wanted to say a special thanks - to the communities, local landowners, Sustrans, the Forestry Commission and the National Park - for all working together to bring the project to fruition. She then handed over to John Lauder, the National Director for Sustrans Scotland. John explained that the aim of Sustrans is to allow people to choose to cycle for everyday journeys, for leisure and tourism and the simple fun of it. In Scotland they work with schools, communities and
The Queen’s Baton Relay stops in Strathyre! The Queen’s Baton Relay returned to Scotland on 14 June 2014, after a momentous 248-day global journey through the nations and territories of the Commonwealth. Travelling through 400 towns, villages and cities over 40 days, the relay offered people across the nation the chance to be part of the countdown to Scotland’s biggest ever sporting and cultural event – the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games – and show their support for Team Scotland. From the spires of Edinburgh to the peaks of the Highlands, from the Scottish Borders’ woodlands to island beaches, the baton visited all 32 Local Authorities of Scotland – carried by 4,000 baton bearers over 4,000 kilometers. The lucky ones in Strathyre knew the baton was coming through the village and went with the intention of waving it through, as it was not a scheduled stop. They were surprised when the coach stopped to show off the baton and even more excited when they were asked if they would like to hold it. Their photos reflect their pride (and their initiative in remembering to take pictures!) See more photos on page 6.
employers to help realise the vision that by 2020, 10% of everyday trips will by bike. In many cases, as today showed, there is the double benefit of the tracks enabling people to enjoy walking as well as cycling. He acknowledged that the link had been long sought and had only been achieved with the financial help of the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, all playing their part in the fund raising. He also thanked the local landowners who had been involved, particularly Mr. (Continued on page 12) Halliday.