Kirk helps connect communities in Dumfries and Galloway

Cyclists and walkers are a step closer to being able to safely travel between two villages thanks to the Church of Scotland.

The General Trustees have leased a parcel of glebe land to enable a new traffic free pathway to eventually open between Penpont and Thornhill in Dumfries and Galloway.

• Pictured: Maureen Halkett, chair of the Keir Penpont and Tynron Development Trust, Irene Haining, Iain Wilson, Caroline Buck, Christopher Shirley and Senga Greenwood – with a sign recognising the Church of Scotland’s contribution.

Morag Menneer, head of Land and Estates for the General Trustees, the property holding arm of the Church of Scotland, said: “The General Trustees were delighted to be able to assist the local church and community to provide an all access pathway between the villages of Penpont and Thornhill across a part of the glebe field.

“They have also provided the adjacent field to be used as a campsite later in the year for a cycle rally.

“The Church is blessed to be able to help and share in this way.”

The project is being led by Keir Penpont and Tynron Development Trust, backed by £1,557,806 of funding from the Scottish Government, administered through Sustrans Scotland’s Places for Everyone programme.

Benches and bike stands have also been installed at two placemaking areas along the path, enabling people to rest while enjoying views of the surrounding landscape.

When phases 1B and 1C of the project are complete, a 2.4 mile path will connect Penpont and Thornhill, enabling residents to safely walk, wheel and cycle between the two villages.

John Fawcett, session clerk of Penpont Keir and Tynron Church, said: “The Kirk Session is delighted that some of the glebe land has been used to enable the local community to create this active travel path, which starts next to the church hall.

• Full story at the Church of Scotland website.