Plans for upgrading a coastal path at a popular Moray beach have progressed with donations being welcomed to help with construction costs.
The project to extend and renovate the coastal path alongside Findhorn Bay from the Kimberley Inn to the Boatyard was announced last September.
Started at the bequest of local businessman David Urquhart, and formerly director of Gordon and MacPhail and Benromach distillery, the walkway will be upgraded and become more accessible for people in wheelchairs and others with a range of disabilities.
Mr Urquhart, who passed away in 2015, left £50,000 to the Findhorn Village Conservation Company (FVCC) to implement this as he struggled to travel on the path when he became ill.
Frank Allan, chairman of the FVCC, said that Mr Urquhart was disappointed about being unable to visit the bay front.
He said: “David loved this beauty spot with views across to the Culbin Forest and the Moray Firth and latterly he expressed concern and was disappointed when he couldn’t get along the bay.
“The existing path has an uneven, unbound surface with many loose stones and fairly steep gradients at some slipways, making it difficult for many people to access. The group has been working to
implement his wish.”
Now after planning permission was granted by Moray Council, the FVCC is looking at the next steps towards the development of the walkway.
Mr Allan said: “It will approximately take around £200,000 to upgrade the path, which is a very rough estimation, so we are looking to fundraise for the path.
“Renovation will be very difficult due to the terrain being so bad and not compatible for wheelchairs.”
The FVCC have applied to various organisations for grants and have also organised a raffle and justgiving account for the cause.
Prizes donated for the raffle include bottles of malt whisky from distilleries, accommodation in holiday homes in Findhorn and Glenferness and a North 58 Sea adventure from Findhorn plus other items.
The whisky prizes have a close link to Mr Urquhart as he was bestowed with the honour of Keeper of the Quaich.
Raffle tickets are on sale in shops, cafes and pubs in Findhorn and to donate yourself go to
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dufootpathfindhorn