Newmarket-Tong path enriches communities

Residents and visitors alike are benefiting from recent improvements to the existing Newmarket Gateway Trust (NGT) Blackwater Trail walkway from Newmarket moor into Tong, due to a capital grant provided by NHS Western Isles.

In recent years, NGT extended the existing walkway, through separate additional funding, by approximately 3km (1.8 miles).  However, the new walkway highlighted the need for the existing part, which was over 20 years old, to be greatly improved.  This was noted to be especially needed for parents and carers with prams and buggies, and those using mobility scooters or who may struggle with rough terrain, due to areas being degraded and, in some parts, unpassable.

NGT, a committee and registered charity which manages the walkway, continuously strives to improve the Newmarket area and its community assets for its residents, as well as the wider community.  In addition, the committee has previously redeveloped and upgraded its popular multi-use, multi-ability playpark and green space; even more important now due to the completion of Phase 1 of the new 74-house development at Newmarket’s Blackwater, with Phase 2 well under way.

Diane Macdonald, NHS Western Isles Director of Human Resources & Workforce Development, said, “NHS Western Isles was delighted to support these much-needed improvements for the Blackwater Trail walkway.  Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to improve your health and wellbeing. Walking has a whole range of benefits for your health. It helps prevent heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It improves your wellbeing and is linked to better sleep, improved cognitive function and an overall better quality of life."

Murray Macleod, Chair of NGT, said “We are sincerely thankful to NHS Western Isles for their financial support towards the walkway.  It is important to provide safe, free accessible outdoor amenities and activities for our children, families and individuals to enjoy.  This funding has enabled us to scrape back the existing path and re-lay an appropriate surface, ensuring that the path is accessible to the community as a whole. These upgrades will make the amenity accessible once again, connecting the two communities of Newmarket and Tong, and offering new walking, running and cycling routes.”