A TEAM of Highland Council outdoor access rangers has started work on the NC500 in Sutherland after funding was found to support the posts.
The former Highland-wide ranger service ended at the end of March after three years as a result of funding difficulties.
The loss of the service, which saw rangers engage with visitors to ensure awareness of the Outdoor Access Code, had caused concern amongst communities on the route.
There were fears the loss of the posts could lead to a rise in irresponsible tourism.
Local councillors decided the service was too valuable to lose and that funding should be found to support it in Sutherland.
At a meeting of Sutherland County Committee in May, it was agreed that £100,000 from the Community Regeneration Fund would be used to fund ranger posts in the country.
All six Sutherland councillors backed the award with the committee’s chairman Cllr Richard Gale saying: “I think the ranger service has proved to be a really positive influence throughout the country, particularly with the influx of motorhomes and campervans.”
Highland Council meanwhile said the ranger who previously worked on the north coast was returning but others in the team were new to the post, although all had experience working in the Scottish countryside.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Rangers will patrol sites and engage with visitors to ensure awareness of the Outdoor Access Code and other legislation such as parking and environmental health.
“They will monitor use and report incidents to the relevant council teams or emergency services.
"The rangers will also tidy, maintain and manage council-owned sites and core paths and will work with communities and land managers on other sites.”
The rangers will be on patrol until the end of October and it is hoped there will be “possibly some continuation over winter”.
The spokesperson added: “People can contact the ranger team but we ask them to be realistic in their expectations.
“The team is not an emergency service and is there to advise and engage, not to enforce.”
They can be contacted at accessrangers@highland.gov.uk or by calling the senior ranger on 07909 051233.
