So what is happening with the Oban to Fort William Cycle Path? firs tthe name, not sure what is going on with that yet. First indications are that we are going to use, "Oban to Fort William - The Birlinn Way". A bit long winded but my hope is that it will be know as simply the Birlinn Way. The Birlinn is a great symbol for the west coast of Scotland encompassing as it does, culture, history, coastal exploration and just a bit of mystique! Of course saying the word may sound like "Berlin" but hey if people think they are in Germany then maybe they need a better map! This is not a done deal yet - still waiting for the powers that be to come up with a yeh or nay! Have a look at and read some stuff about Birlnns here:
http://www.birlinn.org
http://macinnes.org/crests/NewArmsDescription.html
http://www.galleyaileach.co.uk/

What else ....

the first of the projects is about to make a start. This will be an artwork and seating design at the stretch of path between Ganavan Sands and Dunbeg. The plan at this stage is for a design using glass in a wooden totem of some kind. The seating will be a separate piece but have a synergy with the artwork. The two pieces are inspired by a stand of birch trees sitting opposite the location. Norman Bissell has written a poem that will inform the design of the two pieces:

silver bark
winter blaze
birch grove
opens a world.

The other items for consideration over the next 3 - 8 months are:

Poetry rocks at Kentallen
Slate carving and shelter at Ballachulish

More about these later.

Also on the go are some designs for access controls, i.e. gates and waymarkers, signage and interpretation.

We are kinda waiting for the name to be approved or if not an alternative name to be supplied. As to the Path progress itself - check with Sustrans about this one - I am just doing the artwork bit!