Project aims to create new Inverness walks - while remembering much-loved businessman
'Thistle Walks' was the idea of Gus MacDonald who died earlier this year
A project is aiming to create three new Inverness walking routes, while remembering a beloved Highland businessman.
Known as the Thistle Walks, 30-minute, 60-minute and 90-minute walks are set to be established along the River Ness and surrounding area, giving people a simple and enjoyable way to discover the city at their own pace.
A £10,000 fundraising appeal has now been launched to help bring the project to life, with the money supporting the development of the routes, including signage and other essential elements.
The idea was developed by Gus MacDonald, the much-loved Inverness Crazy Golf owner and community member who passed away suddenly this year aged 54.
Walks will 'make the most out of Inverness'
While out and about in Inverness and spending time at his business, Gus regularly encountered visitors who were unsure where to go after reaching the River Ness and Ness Islands.
He often stopped to offer directions and believed there was an opportunity to make exploring the area easier and more accessible.
The proposed walks will begin in the heart of Inverness and follow the River Ness, incorporating Ness Islands.
Shorter routes will return towards the city centre, while the longer walks will continue towards the Caledonian Canal before looping back.
Each route will be marked by a different coloured thistle, creating a distinctive and easy-to-follow way of exploring the area.
Those behind the planned walks say they are intended to appeal to a wide range of people, from visitors looking to experience more of Inverness during their stay, to local residents wanting to enjoy a leisurely stroll close to home.
The routes will pass two familiar local attractions, Inverness Crazy Golf and Whin Park, both of which were particularly important to Gus.
However, the wider ambition is to create something that benefits the whole city and can be enjoyed by the community for years to come.
Gus began developing the idea with his friend Don Lawson in late April. Following Gus’ unexpected death in June, Don and the Thistle Walks team — Bet, Mandy, Morven, Nicola and Emily — are now working together to take the project forward.
Don Lawson, Thistle Walks Team Leader, said: “Thistle Walks is about making the most of what Inverness has to offer and giving people a simple way to discover some of the beautiful places right on our doorstep.
“Whether you live here, are visiting for a few days or are simply looking for somewhere different to enjoy a walk, we want the routes to be welcoming, accessible and easy to follow.
“Gus recognised that there was so much more of Inverness for people to discover, particularly around the River Ness and the Islands. We’re delighted to be working together to develop his idea into something that can benefit the whole community.
“We hope the Thistle Walks will become a familiar feature of the city, encouraging more people to get outdoors, explore and enjoy everything this wonderful area has to offer.”
"For me, this has become much more than simply completing a project. It is about remembering a dear friend, creating something positive from an incredibly sad loss and giving something back to Inverness - the city Gus loved".
'Gus would be so delighted to see this idea moving forward'
Gus worked alongside his mother, Bet MacDonald, for many years at both Inverness Crazy Golf and Whin Park.
Bet said: “Gus never stopped thinking about what he could do next, and I was never surprised when I heard, ‘I have an idea.’
“He always said the Islands were the most beautiful part of Inverness, but that there was very little there in the way of seating or information.
"He would often cycle or walk to work rather than drive so he could enjoy the scenery along the way.
“He would be so delighted to see this idea moving forward and giving people in Inverness, along with the many tourists who visit, the opportunity to enjoy the area and get pleasure from these lovely walks.”
The Thistle Walks team is now inviting individuals, local businesses and organisations to support the £10,000 fundraising appeal and help make the routes a reality.
Don added: “We’re asking the community to get behind this initiative and help us create something that Inverness can be proud of.
“Every donation, large or small, will bring us closer to establishing the routes and putting the signage in place. And if you’re unable to donate, sharing the fundraising appeal would be a great help.
“With the support of the community, we hope to create a lasting resource that residents and visitors alike can enjoy for many years to come.”