The final stage of the much-anticipated Fairlie Coastal Path is complete – offering stunning views and improved access to the coast.
Work on the third and final part of the path began earlier this year and, this month, North Ayrshire Council was delighted to officially open the new route.
As well as improving access to the beach and coastline, it connects previous phases which have already proved extremely popular.
The latest phase has completed the link between Bay Street and the Fairlie Viewpoint path, ensuring a continuous traffic-free walking, wheeling and cycling path along the waterfront for people of all abilities.
Forming part of the wider Ayrshire Coastal Path, the route can be accessed from the picnic site and car park at the south of the village.
The £633,084 project was funded by the Scottish Government and designed and delivered through a partnership between North Ayrshire Council and Sustrans.
The final phase of the Fairlie Coastal Path was constructed by local civil engineering contractor, W.I & A Gilbert, with design works and site supervision undertaken by the engineering consultancy AECOM.
“We are absolutely delighted that work on the final phase of the Fairlie Coastal Path has now been completed. We are sure it will be a massive asset to the local community and to people walking, wheeling, cycling and visiting the area.
“It will provide safer, traffic-free access along our coastline and be a wonderful spot for people to take in our scenery and enjoy the outdoors.
“We are committed to providing active travel routes and means for people to easily get out and about and this is another excellent example of that.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said:
“I welcome the completion of the final stage of the Fairlie Coastal Path, which was completed through over £633,000 of funding from the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership with North Ayrshire Council and Sustrans Scotland through the National Cycle Network programme.
“The improvements to the path will make it safer and more accessible for the local community, to travel along our coastline, giving them a more sustainable travel option that will improve access to key services as well as the waterfront in Fairlie.
“Over £155 million has been allocated to Active Travel this year, which continues to bring real change to communities across Scotland. For our health, wellbeing and climate, the Scottish Government will continue to invest in active travel projects to help people choose walking, wheeling and cycling for shorter everyday journeys.”
Emilia Hanna, Head of National Cycle Network at Sustrans Scotland, added:
“We are delighted to see work finish on this phase of the Fairlie Coastal Path project.
“When we make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle, we save lives.
“This new route has created a vital traffic-free space, enabling residents and visitors to travel actively along the waterfront away from busy roads, while accessing key services and the local coastline.
“We hope that it will be a well-loved space that gives people the confidence to make healthier and more sustainable choices for their everyday journeys.”