A new appointment aims to safeguard the future of an iconic local walking trail. James Allan takes up the role as the first director of the recently established charity, the West Highland Way Trust.
The trust has been created to develop partnerships, raise funds and support practical projects to care for West Highland Way. James brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience to the trust.
Stuart Mearns, chair of the West Highland Way Trust, said: “I’m delighted to welcome James as director. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter, building on the achievements of our partners and everyone who has contributed to caring for the route over its 46-year history.
“With James on board, we can strengthen this support, bring more partners into our work and achieve even more for the West Highland Way.”
The 96-mile route from Milngavie to Fort William is managed by the West Highland Way Management Group, comprising Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, East Dunbartonshire Council, The Highland Council, Argyll and Bute Council and Stirling Council.
The trail connects some of Scotland’s most celebrated landscapes with the communities and businesses along the way. Its popularity brings substantial benefits, alongside a continuing need for investment in paths, drainage, bridges and waymarking, which is why the trust has been established.
James’s career spans Scotland’s public, charity, sport, outdoor and community sectors. He previously led RYA Scotland, the national governing body for sailing and boating, and he has worked in local government and outdoor education. His recent consultancy work has helped charities and community organisations with strategy, governance and organisational development.
Living on Scotland’s west coast, he also brings a personal connection to the outdoors through hillwalking, skiing, windsurfing and exploring the country’s coast and countryside.
James’s immediate priorities are to work with partners, businesses and communities to identify where the trust can make the greatest contribution, and to build its fundraising, membership and communications capacity.
Over the coming months, the charity plans to recruit a funding and communications manager, develop sustainable sources of income and support more practical projects getting under way. It also aims to develop a whole-route audit to identify maintenance needs and guide investment.
James said: “The establishment of a charitable trust opens up a whole range of new opportunities for the West Highland Way. We can attract new funding, develop partnerships and bring people together to support practical improvements to the route, benefiting walkers, local businesses and the communities along the way.
“The West Highland Way is a world-class long-distance route and one of Scotland’s most treasured outdoor assets. The Trust will play a vital role in caring for it over the decades to come, ensuring future generations can enjoy everything it offers. We want everyone who values the West Highland Way to support our work and help secure its future.”
More details: The West Highland Way
The West Highland Way officially opened on October 6, 1980, as Scotland’s first long-distance route.
The 96-mile route runs from Milngavie to Fort William, passing Loch Lomond and ending close to Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain.
More than 45,000 people complete the full route each year, with at least as many again walking shorter sections.