Balloch Village

Balloch Village Trust

Trust Groups

Paths Working Group

BVT Paths Working Group, is looking into setting up a series of circular paths from Balloch Community Woodland, of varied length for pedestrian and cycle use by linking existing forest tracks and woodland paths. 

The path circuits would be available to users via paper maps, and by creating a notice board at the entrance to Balloch Community Woodland.  The aim is to launch during 2007. 

Collaboration with Croy Community Council and Sunnyside residents is opening up further circular woodland path routes, which could link up. 

There is also some interest in setting up a mountain bike technical course.  This is being looked into.

Path network Update August 2007

Short term aim
• To make the path circuits East of Balloch easier to use by pedestrians and cyclists by producing readily available paper maps.

• To link the maps to numbered datum points along the route for orientation.

• To create a notice map board at the entrance to Balloch Community Woodland.

• To create a circular loop at the far end of the Castle Stuart woodland.

Medium term aim
• To create separate mountain bike trails at the far end of the Castle Stuart woodland.

• To look into creating improved parking space either along the Feaubuie Road or at the Tornagrain end of the woodland.

Path network

Progress so far

• Completed accurate mapping of the woodland.

• Highlighted preferred circular routes and any areas that may need some work.

• Liased with Moray Estates to seek permission.

• Liased with contractor to cost/ undertake works.

Next steps

• Complete costings.

• Apply for funding.

• Perhaps link application to Culloden Road cycle path.

 

April 2007   

BVT continues to work  towards producing a leaflet that highlights some circular woodland routes for pedestrian and cycle use. 

Moray Estates and Forestry Commission Scotland are keen to collaborate on this.  

Recently, a group of BVT members met and added detail to the mapping of the woodland.

The next step is to meet with Moray Estates to discuss potential circular routes.
If you would like to become involved with this please contact Donald MacNeill, Chair of the Paths Working Group.

Facilities Working Group (formerly Buildings W G)

Working on providing enhanced hall facilities for shared community and school use for sporting, amenity and performance purposes. 

Registering an interest in the field next to the hall and school has been made for the purposes of providing extended pitch facilities, green space, community garden, playgroup garden and overflow car park facilities.

This group cannot pursue its aims further at present. 

Local history

Can you help?

• We need material for copying;

1. Photographs of old Balloch
2. Newspaper clippings
3. Programmes, tickets etc.
4. Maps

All originals will of course be returned.

• Do you have local knowledge?

We would really welcome the opportunity to talk with anyone who has knowledge of old Balloch.  Personal histories will give us a much better insight into how things have changed.  Even 5 minutes of your time would be greatly appreciated.   

Please contact BVT b.v.t@btinternet.com.

• Are you interested in being involved in a local history group?

Do you have some skills you would like to share?  Would you like to find out more about your village?  Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

Please contact BVT b.v.t@btinternet.com

Many thanks
Balloch Village Trust
May 2007