A major path-repair project on one of Scotland’s most dramatic mountains is in the running for an £18,000 prize in an online poll.
Suilven’s path restoration project was nominated in the Alpine category, for projects located at high altitude, by the outdoor retailer, Berghaus.
The poll has been organised by European Outdoor Conservation Association, a not-for-profit environmental outdoor charity with over 120 national affiliates across the continent.
It is now open to the public until noon on Monday, 19 October.
Suilven faces competition from four other nominees in Italy, Spain, France and Rwanda.
This is the scenery of the soul – a sentiment that draws people from all over the Europe to climb the mountain
The mountain is famed for its distinctive shape and spectacular summit views over land and sea.
It has been widely celebrated in poetry, music and song by such diverse artists as the late Bard of Assynt, Norman McCaig, the Gaelic rock band Runrig and the classical music composer, Giles Lamb.
Its ancient geological features are recognised within Scotland’s first European Geopark.
The path restoration work, which is expected to cost in the region of £200,000, will be carried out by the John Muir Trust and the Assynt Foundation, under the umbrella of the Coigach-Assynt Living Landscape Partnership.
It will set out to restore an eroded 2.5km section of the route to conserve the mountain’s unique geological heritage, while maintaining public access to a remote mountain whose steady stream of visitors helps support tourism businesses in the local communities scattered across Assynt.
Stewart Hill, chair of the Assynt Foundation, said: "Suilven dominates the skyline of the Assynt landscape. One German visitor told us that this is the scenery of the soul – a sentiment that draws people from all over the Europe to climb the mountain.
“It may restore the soul, but the heavy footfall takes its toll of the path. By restoring the path we shall create a heritage for the future that will enable others to come and enjoy this magnificent mountain."
David Gibson, chief officer of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland added: “Suilven is a distinctive mountain when viewed from any direction. It’s treasured by mountaineers and elicits superlatives from those who are not inclined to walk the many miles to its base and climb to the main Caisteal Liath, the highest point on the mountain. I urge everyone who loves Scotland’s mountains to cast a vote for Suilven.”
You can find out more and go on to record your vote here.
