Moray pub donates big sum to 'ghost walkers'
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A nature charity has received a huge boost after a local business donated £1300 following the group’s successful ghost trail.
Nearly 200 people – a record turnout – took part this June in a 24-mile hike down the Dava Way ghost trail to raise funds for the Dava Way Association (DVA).
This was the first walk held since 2019 and has been a biennial event for the organisation since 2009.
The walk down the trail took approximately eight hours from Grantown-on-Spey to Forres and raised a groundbreaking total of £5300.
This was the highest total ever raised from the ghost trail, and was raised further by a donation of £1300 from Forres pub the Mosset Tavern.
DWA chairman Neil Sinclair, who has been a part of the organisation for 18 years, said he was “really grateful” for the generosity of the owners of the establishment and that the money will “help the organisation massively.”
“We are extremely grateful for this donation and would like to say a big thank you for all who raised funds for us,” he said
The Dava Way Association is run by a very small group of eight trustees and around 20-30 volunteers and aims to attract visitors to the trail and preserve the trail for future generations.
In previous years, the ghost trail walk was used to promote the trail and bring awareness to the DWA.
The ghost trail was inspired by the alleged sighting of a ghost train being seen going down the path at night many years ago.
The group attracted nearly double of their usual turnout of participants by offering a half price discount for tickets for people who raised over £60 for the cause.
This year's set number of 200 participants, including both amateurs and experienced hikers, was lowered after a transport issue stopped 30 people from attending.
Local Scout groups volunteered their services to the organisation, including the 1st Forres Scouts handling the catering for the event and the explorer Scouts dressing up and scaring hikers on their way down the spooky trail.
The walk was additionally supported by COTAG rescue support and Scotia Medical Group and hikers received a medal for completing the trail when they arrived in Forres.
The Dava Way Association will use the funds raised to create a new accessible path to Dallas Dhu Distillery and fix draining issues along Dava Way caused by downpours during the spring season.
To find out more about the organisation and to donate to the cause, visit: davaway.org.uk.
