​Funding secures the future of Aline Woodland Walkway

The popular Aline Woodland Walkway has been saved from potential closure thanks to essential repairs funded by a £10,000 capital grant from NHS Western Isles.

The boardwalks and tracks are very well used daily by the public and form the largest accessible woodland outside of Stornoway. The woodland walkway is a unique asset allowing people of all abilities to walk in the forest and enjoy the unique scenery.

Located around 20 miles between Stornoway on Lewis and Tarbert on Harris, Aline Community Woodland offers accessible boardwalks, both wheelchair and buggy friendly, a picnic area with tables and benches, and a children’s playground – making it an ideal destination for a family day out.

Donnie Morrison, Chairman, Aline Community Woodland, said: “We are extremely grateful to have received £10,000 in capital grant funding from NHS Western Isles allowing us to undertake essential repairs to boardwalks and paths in the woodland.

“In the last year we were faced with the possible closure of the walkways due to the deteriorating structure of the popular decking walks. The funding has allowed us to undertake a comprehensive program of deck replacement and ensure that the walkways have remained accessible all year.”

Aline Community Woodland is a community project supported by volunteers who ensure the cabins and playpark area are well kept. The team supporting the woodland have recently undertaken a twenty-year review and are now recruiting new volunteers and developing plans for a wide range of future developments.

Diane Macdonald, Director of Human Resources & Workforce Development, NHS Western Isles, said: “NHS Western Isles is delighted to have supported the repairs at Aline Woodland Walkway. This space offers a safe, free, and inclusive environment where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the benefits of walking – one of the best ways to boost physical health and mental wellbeing.”

This funding was made available to NHS Western Isles as capital grant funding, separate to revenue and capital core funding allocations for patient care and NHS services/staff. NHS Western Isles understands how difficult the financial situation can be for the third sector and not for profit organisations and bids for Capital Grant funding from NHS Scotland to help support these groups.