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Created: Friday, 14 September 2012 09:03
Over 150 invited guests attended a reception organised by the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) last night (13th September), to highlight the network’s plans for developing The John Muir Coast to Coast Trail, as part of the celebrations to commemorate the centenary of the Scots born naturalist’s death in 2014.
The reception, ‘Bringing John Muir Home’, was held at the Scottish Parliament Garden Lobby and sponsored by Colin Beattie MSP, member for Midlothian North & Musselburgh.
The CSGN will be opening The John Muir Coast to Coast Trail in April 2014, one of many events that will take place during the year to celebrate Muir’s life and honour his legacy. This new route will run from Dunbar to Helensburgh, passing through nine council areas and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. It will include the Dunbar to Musselburgh section of the existing John Muir Way in East Lothian.
During the reception broadcaster and wilderness hiker Cameron McNeish (pictured above) provided commentary about John Muir and long distance routes, along with Derek Mackay MSP, Minister for Local Government and Planning, who commented on the project’s vision.
Derek Mackay said: "The international esteem in which John Muir is rightly held will help raise the profile of the excellent environmental work being done by the Central Scotland Green Network partners, ensuring that everyone is made aware of the varied outdoor leisure and recreational opportunities on offer in Central Scotland."
Cameron McNeish said: “I am delighted that Scotland is re-claiming John Muir as one of our own. His wisdom and his philosophy is as important in 21st century Scotland as it was in late 19th century California and we would do well to listen again to his vital messages about how we look after the planet. Muir believed passionately in encouraging people to get out into the green places and I'm sure the new John Muir Coast to Coast Trail will do just that."
It is anticipated that the extended route will not only celebrate John Muir, but also create significant and lasting economic benefit. A recent study commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage estimates that some 700 jobs could be created over the first five years of the route’s existence with an additional 9,000 end to end users over the first year.
Read the article about this project on the John Muir Trust website.
