Moray to get a 'Paths Ranger'
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A new ranger will be created in order to roll out improvements to the paths network across Moray.
The post is part of a £188,000 plan to upgrade the network over the next three years, with funding from the Dorenell wind farm near Dufftown.
Moray Council's economic development committee agreed the plan at a meeting today.
Councillor Graham Leadbitter (Elgin South, SNP) is keen for a system to be put in place so those using the network can give voluntary donations towards the upkeep of the paths.
He said: "I think people would be willing if you gave them the opportunity. And we could potentially generate another income stream.
"It’s something we should really consider."
Nicola Moss, the council's head of environmental and commercial services, liked the idea, but felt it needed careful consideration as to how it would work in practice.
A traffic light system is being used to grade Moray's paths, with 121 green routes considered to be in a good state, 159 amber and 78 in the priority red category.
Cllr Leadbitter also asked if there was scope to use money raised by outside groups to accelerate the work.
He said: "If a community or organisation managed to raise funding that enabled a particular area to be done a little bit more quickly, is there enough flexibility in the system to allow that to be factored in?"
Open space officer Ian Douglas told the meeting the process was designed to be flexible.
He said: "The red routes are the ones that are definitely going to be in the project.
"The amber ones are optional, but could be brought in if opportunities arise."
The fixed-term ranger job is expected to run from October this year until December 2025.
However that could be extended depending on future funding.
Annual wages for the ranger's job are just under £28,000.
As well as taking forward the plan to upgrade routes, the ranger will also promote their use to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
On top of that they will be in charge of recruiting volunteers to help with the work.
A planning condition means the council receives £50,000 a year from developer EDF Energy.
This amounts to £1.25 million over the 25-year lifetime of the Dorenell wind farm.
Councillors previously agreed that money should be used to improve the condition and promote the use of Moray’s paths network.
