SNP MSP Gil Paterson has called on Sunday National readers to share their memories of the West Highland Way walking route as its 40th anniversary approaches.

On October 6, the first of Scotland’s Great Trails, the West Highland Way, will celebrate its 40th birthday.

The West Highland Way travels 96 miles from Milngavie in East Dunbartonshire to Fort William in the Highlands, traveling through the scenic villages of Drymen, Rowardennan, Crianlarich, Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy and Kinlochleven and provides direct access to Ben Lomond and Ben Nevis.

Due to the coronavirus restrictions, official celebrations have had to be curtailed but the Official West Highland Way group, backed by funding from the EU’s Leader programme, will be marking the occasion with an online exhibition.

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The exhibition will consist of stories, reminisces, photographs, videos and artworks provided by those who have used and experienced the trail over the past 40 years.

The Sunday National wants to mark this historic occasion too, and hear about your memories, experiences and photographs of the West Highland Way.

Readers are asked to share their memories on social media by tagging @SundayNational and using the hashtag #WHW40. We will share readers’ best photographs and memories on October 6.

Paterson, who represents Milngavie which marks the start of the walk, said: “I am one of the luckiest MSPs having this Scottish treasure start in Milngavie.

“The West Highland Way is not just a Scottish treasure, it is iconic and world renowned, which brings significant economic benefit to my constituency and Scotland.

“It is fantastic that this amazing walk has flourished so well over the past 40 years and has brought so much pleasure to the many people who have used it.

“Along the trail, which passes within a half mile of my house, many small businesses and employment opportunities have sprung up which has been great for the local economy.

“On the bigger picture, since the opening of the West Highland Way, 28 other trails in Scotland have been established, providing access to most of Scotland which will help following generations appreciate our beautiful landscape and diverse countryside.

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“People tell me they have a favourite place or part of the trail, i.e. Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, and who can forget the walk over the the hill from Altnafeadh to Kinlochleven looking back on the magnificent Buachaille Etive Mor, especially as the sun is setting.

“It touches some of my own personal favourite spots in Scotland, but my very special place is just coming off the trail, wandering and losing myself for days at a time in the splendour of the isolation of Rannoch Moor, surrounded by the stunning beauty, this is a place that is forever in my soul.

“This online exhibition and short film of people’s photographs, videos and stories is a great initiative by the Official West Highland Way and the Leader programme.”