Helicopter support was called in to assist with path improvement works at one of the most popular sites on the Isle of Skye.
The Fairy Pools are among the most visited spots on the island, consisting of rock pools of translucent mountain spring water. These aquamarine pools are fed by a series of waterfalls from the Cuillin Mountains.
As the surrounding habitat has "suffered damage" by intense tourist footfall, one of the main objectives of the ongoing work is to encourage visitors to stay on the paths. This will be achieved by making them easier to walk on and therefore more accessible.
To help facilitate the challenging process, a one-off helicopter lift was used to transport path materials to the upper reaches of the Fairy Pools path.
Whilst upgrading the main path, the project will also create new offshoot viewpoint paths. It is hoped that, once completed, the work will enhance accessibility for those visiting the area and therefore protect the habitat.
The improved paths and habitat restoration work is being carried out as part of the Skye Iconic Sites Project (SISP), a project that covers three of Skye’s most beloved sites, including the Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr, and Quiraing.
The diverse project is led by the environmental charity Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS), who recently won two Rural Industry Awards.
CEO of Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland Dougie Baird said: "The Fairy Pools are a much-loved tourist attraction, one which sees many thousands of visitors per year from around the world.
"As a result, the old path and viewpoints have suffered damage from the high visitor footfall necessitating repair and the construction of new viewpoint paths. By including measures to restore the damaged habitats, this will enhance visitor accessibility, and experience whilst encouraging care for the fragile environment.
Project Officer for Minginish Community Hall Association Dawn Campbell commented: "Minginish Community Hall Association are delighted to see this crucial habitat protection and restoration work underway at the Fairy Pools.
"We were pleased to contribute funding to this important sustainable tourism project through our Fairy Pools Car Park Fund, which we set up to benefit residents and also to offset the pressure of thousands of visitors to the waterfalls."
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