A NEW path has been unveiled between Alva and Menstrie, furthering Clackmannanshire Council’s growing travel network.

The project follows the old railway line past the Diageo warehouses, providing a safe, user friendly, off-road link between the two communities.

Councillor Fiona Law, spokesperson for the environment and net zero, played a role in opening the new network.

She said: “This latest, fantastic addition to our extensive Active Travel network creates a vital link between Alva and Menstrie.

“Active Travel routes aim to offer everyone in the community a safe and accessible way to commute and will hopefully encourage people making short to medium distance journeys to walk, cycle or wheel instead of driving.

“We hope this project can be a springboard to attract further investment in Active Travel and we can continue with our ambitious plans to extend and enhance our network.”

The new travel route is a £1.8 million project delivered by the council, funded by the Scottish Government’s Active Travel Transformation Fund.

To make the path a reality, the council’s land services staff formed a biodiversity corridor along the new route.

This included planting 5,500 trees to create new hedgerows to go alongside the path.

As part of the unveiling, Fiona Hyslop MSP, cabinet secretary for transport, touched down to cut the ribbon just outside Menstrie.

She added: “I’m pleased to welcome the completion of the new walking, wheeling and cycling route between Alva and Menstrie during Scotland’s Climate Week.

“Funding of £1.8 million from the Scottish Government’s active Travel Infrastructure Fund has enabled Clackmannanshire Council to deliver an accessible route which will greatly benefit people and communities.

“This will make it easier for people to choose walk, wheel or cycle for shorter everyday journeys – which is great for physical and mental health, our environment and will help save people money too.

“This project was funded as part of the £145 million already allocated to active travel this year.

“Our continued investment in projects like this, that we’re seeing right across the country, will encourage people to leave their cars at home and embrace a more active lifestyle for our health, wellbeing and climate.”