A dedicated Project Officer has joined Dumfries and Galloway Outdoor Access Trust (DGOAT).
The Trust is set up to support opportunities for outdoor access across the region, championing the health benefits and encouraging everyone to access our beautiful region responsibly.
DGOAT has been working with a range of partners in recent years, including the Galloway Glens Scheme and the Rhins of Galloway Coast Path to deliver access improvements for residents and visitors.
The Trust owns the Beehive Bothy on the Southern Upland Way and supported the establishment of the New Galloway Link Path.
The Trustees are now supported by Project Officer, Louise Coupar. Louise joins on a 12-month contract to support the Trustees, to raise the profile of the Trust and to increase capacity for activity.
The role is only part-time – equating to approximately a day a week – but this will allow DGOAT to better establish its role in the region and marks a milestone for the Trust.
Louise said: “This is a truly exciting opportunity to be a part of a trust, whose aims and ambitions tie in as beautifully with my own passion for creating outdoor access opportunities in D&G as the region is in itself.
“I love this region, I love the landscape, the heritage and the people so to have the opportunity to work with a like group who are passionate about creating opportunities to showcase what’s on offer and how it could improve their physical and mental health is a privilege and role I am looking forward to getting started with”
Peter Ross, Chair of the Dumfries & Galloway Outdoor Access Trust, said: “I am delighted, thanks to Galloway Landscape Partnership funding, to welcome Louise as a project Officer for the Trust. Louise’s support will help the trustees to better achieve its aims.”
The position is being supported by the Galloway Glens Scheme. Jonathan Barrett, the Galloway Glens Land Management & Access Officer, added: “Dumfries and Galloway’s network of paths is a huge and valued asset and part of what makes the region so popular with visitors. Having Louise on board supporting the Trust will raise the profile of the work of the Trust as well as giving awareness of the benefits of outdoor access a massive boost.”
For more information about Dumfries & Galloway Outdoor Access Trust (registered as a SCIO, no. SC046070) visit the Trust website: https://www.dgoutdooraccess.org.uk/ or follow on Facebook or Twitter.
Picture: Louise Coupar and Jonathan Barrett.