Moray MP Douglas Ross has praised a group of volunteers in Cullen who have built and now maintain accessible paths in the village.
Douglas said: “I was delighted to be invited by the Cullen Volunteer Group to see for myself the extraordinary amount of work that has been carried out by just half a dozen people. In only a few months, they cleared about 1.5km of overgrown and stony ground along the coast from the harbour and have created a path that everyone can enjoy.
“The path passes the famous Cullen pet cemetery and then winds along the coast, with its unique geology, and back up the hill where there are magnificent views over Seatown and Cullen Bay.
“The volunteers, using diggers from local businesses, dumper trucks and material, have created a path that is already well used by local people and visitors. The great thing is that the paths are accessible to wheelchair users and parents with children in prams, allowing everyone to get out in the fresh air and enjoy some stunning coastal scenery. There are also plenty of benches along the way to allow people to pause and enjoy the views.”
Before they tackled the coastal path, the Cullen Volunteer Group also created an accessible path up to the top of Castle Hill, allowing people to see for miles across Moray.
Douglas added: “It’s quite amazing how a small group of volunteers has achieved so much for their community and I commend the ongoing efforts that are being put in to ensure that the paths and surrounding areas are maintained.”
Stan Slater, chair of the Cullen Volunteer Group, said: “Hundreds of man hours are involved in not only the physical building of these paths but also the preparatory background work with outside agencies and funders. We are fortunate in Cullen to have a dedicated team of volunteers, many of whom are in their 60s and 70s, who cover the range of tasks associated with the project and turn up in sun and rain. We are also grateful we have a landowner in Seafield Estates who is very supportive of what we do and grateful for all the support we get from local contractors, the people of Cullen and our many visitors. It is pleasing to see the walks are now being used as part of the NHS Health walk scheme and the numbers walking the path increases all the time, which can only benefit the health of the community.
