Sheshader to Aird community path is now open
The village paths between Aird, Upper Aird and Sheshader were officially opened with a celebratory, community walk on Thursday 23rd January. The upgraded rights of way which had fallen into disrepair in the last few decades have undergone significant upgrades during 2024. led by the Point and Sandwick Community Coastal Path (PSCCP) Committee.
Work to restore the ‘Y’ shaped route, previously walked by generations of school children and offering access to common grazings, forms a section of the proposed 40km Point and Sandwick Trail. Development on this section of the Trail has included significant drainage and access improvements, a new bridge crossing at the boundary of the two common grazing grounds plus work to clear overgrown vegetation and way-mark the route, all of which is now complete.
As part of the official opening, residents from Sheshader and Aird set off at either end of the mile-long path and walked to meet each other in the middle, before continuing the route to Tiumpanhead Community Centre, the site of the former Aird School for an official opening ceremony. A young piper from the village, Grace Nicolson, led the Sheshader group and was joined by other members of the Lewis and Harris Youth Pipe Band at the Community Centre.
The walkers were also joined by representatives of major project funders, Paths for All along with Point Community Council members, Point Show and Point and Sandwick Trust staff, Trail e-bikes users and even Rodeo the famous Bayble donkey made an appearance. On arrival at the Community Centre, Sheshader and Aird Grazing Committee members officially cut the ribbon and announced the path between the two villages open, welcoming all to a buffet lunch served by members of local walking group, Women for Mission.
During lunch, local walker and coastal path visionary, Tom Clark, gave a few words on his original idea to create a continuous loop around the Point Peninsula and the ripple effect of that idea which kickstarted the quest to restore and reconnect 40km of village tracks around Point. Subsequent speakers included Iain Macaskill, Point Community Council Chairman, Agnes Munro, former pupil of Aird School and Graeme Anderson of Paths for All.
Paths for All made a grant of £100,000 towards work on this section of the Trail via their Ian Findlay Path Fund, backed by Transport Scotland with an additional grant awarded by local wind farm charity, Point and Sandwick Trust (PST). Local firm, Macleod Contractors completed much of the work which was overseen by PST Community Consultant, Tony Robson while PSCCP funding applications were supported by PST Community Consultant, Alasdair Nicholson.
Alasdair Nicholson commented of the newly restored paths,
“Part of our research into the paths in this area revealed a Parliamentary Question asked by one Mr Weir in 1902. The question asked when the Sheshader footpath to Aird School would be finished, and it was announced that it would be completed by the end of November 1902. 2025 is quite late to benefit the school children of the early 1900s, it is still important for the health and sustainability for people today that the access between the three villages has been completed. The new bridge and drainage provide a safe crossing over the burn, which can be a fast-flowing torrent in wet weather and importantly the crofters now have improved access to parts of the grazings”.
“This section of path was funded by external grant of £100,000 from the Ian Findlay Path Fund administered by Paths for All and Point and Sandwick Trust who provided a further £60,000. In addition, Woodland Trust are going to provide 300 native trees for volunteers to plant in the vicinity of the bridge. The Path Trustees are very appreciative of the financial support from PST and from the Ian Findlay Fund and their professional and helpful project managers”.
Rosie McKee, Ian Findlay Path Fund Development Officer joined the official opening walk and commented,
“Paths for All are delighted to celebrate the opening of the Aird, Upper Aird and Sheshader path. The restoration of the former village tracks connects communities with each other and to wider path networks. It is clear that these improvements enhance the local environment making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle as an alternative to using the road. Improving opportunities for people to be physically active creates better health and wellbeing in communities”.
“Point and Sandwick Coastal Community Path continue to make huge strides in improving the path networks around Point and Sandwick, creating lasting benefits for the communities living there. We wish to pay tribute to their enormous efforts in securing funding and delivering ambitious plans which are breathing new life into historic tracks making them more accessible and connecting communities for generations to come. We look forward to supporting Point and Sandwick Coastal Community Path in their efforts to extend active travel routes across the area over the coming months and we will follow their progress with great interest”.
Also joining the celebrations, former Aird school pupil, Agnes Munro added,
“I walked across the moor every single day of my primary school education along with all the children within the village boundary because it was the quickest and safest way from Sheshader to Aird School. At that point, the moor was essentially a quagmire except the rough track which was used by the postman and villagers going to the post office in Aird.
I seem to recall dawdling to school whatever the weather in wee dribs and drabs, playing as we went. I remember getting soaked walking to school and freezing cold in the snow but on brighter days, the wildflowers and birds were a constant source of enjoyment. We could identify birds by their call and the glossy green leaves of marsh marigolds were a favourite of mine. I hope the reopening of this track will give lots of people the chance to enjoy the natural beauty on our doorsteps”.
The Point and Sandwick Trail development continues in 2025 with work on the Knock/Swordale to Lower Bayble section planned to be completed by the end of March.
With thanks to Point and Sandwick for providing the images and text.