Award triumph for Loch Leven Heritage Trail

Sep 8 2009 by Katy Gordon, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THE Loch Leven Heritage Trail has been recognised as one of the UK’s best environment projects at the National Lottery Awards in London.

The team behind the trail – an eight-mile pathway which recently opened in Kinross-shire to give access to a recognised nature reserve that was previously closed to the public – mingled with celebrity guests at the star-studded awards show, broadcast live on BBC 1 on Saturday.

Neil Kilpatrick, of the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been named as a runner-up in the awards.

“We beat hundreds of other projects from all over the UK to get to this stage and it has been the most tremendous experience. We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from the public.

“Our Lottery funding has allowed us to make a real difference to Kinross-shire by creating a trail that gives access to some of Scotland’s most important historical and environmental sites.

“The awards have been a fantastic opportunity for us to thank everyone who is involved in our project and spread the word about what a special place Loch Leven is.”

The Loch Leven Heritage Trail received an incredible show of public support throughout all stages of the competition to become the only Scottish runner-up in the Best Environment Project category.

Despite not scooping the cash that the winners received, the project will receive a share of the cash pot accumulated on the night during a celebrity quiz, thought to be over £1000.

National Lottery Awards presenter, John Sargeant, said: "It has been an honour to meet all the fantastic staff and volunteers who run this brilliant project and to have the chance to find out more about it.

“It really is a wonderful example of how Lottery funding has made a real difference to the local community and beyond.”

Famous names attending included hosts Myleene Klass and Nick Knowles, actress Fay Ripley, model and presenter Lisa Snowdon, and fellow Strictly Come Dancing contestant and broadcaster John Sergeant.