Public access to one of the most attractive parts of Skye is being improved and upgraded by the agencies now in charge of the island's Orbost Estate.

A 1.5 kilometre stretch of the footpath which leads from Orbost Farm to the spectacular cliff scenery at the southern tip of the estate is being restored. This will make it easier for walkers to see the famous 'MacLeod's Maidens' rock pinnacles.

The eight kilometre route from the farm to the cliff-top viewpoint is a long-standing one, and popular with walkers. The first part runs through the Bharcasaig forestry plantation which Highlands and Islands Enterprise have acquired from previous owners, Forest Enterprise, and reunited with the rest of the Orbost Estate. Here the route follows well-maintained forest tracks and is easy going.

Beyond the plantation, however, the path had badly deteriorated and was seriously eroded. Now, with an investment of £20,000 (pounds) from Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE), who manage the Orbost Estate on HIE's behalf, the first 1.5 km of this path is being reconstructed and resurfaced. This fulfils a promise made three years ago, when the estate was bought by HIE.

The work is being carried out by a local contractor, Donald Ross of Skye Conservation, and is being supervised by Kevin Sutton, Orbost's Woodland Manager, with technical assistance from Donald Kennedy, Skye and Lochalsh Footpath Officer.

"One of the local concerns when the Orbost Estate came on the market three years ago," says Karen MacAskill, an advisor with HIE's Community Land Unit, "was that the estate might fall into the hands of someone who'd be less than welcoming to walkers. We made clear then that, if our bid was successful, we'd have an open-door policy to ensure that everyone - locals and visitors alike - would be welcome to walk on Orbost.

"That's why we're delighted to be making it easier for people to take advantage of one of Skye's most outstanding walks. It is also our aim to improve further sections of the MacLeod's Maidens footpath if or when funds permit.

" In the meantime, walkers will find it worthwhile to use this first upgraded section of the path which itself offers some really great views. It also overlooks the well-preserved ruins of one of the several Orbost townships which were cleared of their inhabitants in the nineteenth century."

People wishing to take advantage of the improved access to Orbost should leave their vehicles at Orbost Farm steading. As always, walkers - especially those intending to make the fairly lengthy hike to the MacLeod Maidens viewpoint - should ensure that they are properly equipped.