Dastardly thieves have thrown plans for a network of mountain
bike trails, between Fort Augustus and Inverness, into disarray by making off with more than four tonnes of timber destined for the “north shore” sections.

The timber had been donated to local communities by the organisers of the
recent mountain biking World Cup event at Fort William, who had to dismantle
their north shore (raised timber track) section after the event. Forestry
Commission Scotland had stored it in the Lon Mor quarry in Inchnacardoch
Forest.

However, when volunteers from the 10 Glens Mountain Bike Group went out last
Saturday (17th July) to start building a 360-metre length of trail at Fort
Augustus, that would have included 80 metres of north shore track, they were
shattered to find the timber missing.

Some cheer was restored when the Commission stepped into the breech and
donated enough timber at short notice for the group to build about half of
the 80 metres, but a disgusted District Forester, Kenneth Knott, said,

“The timber that was stolen was enough for several hundred metres of north
shore track planned for various sections of the 10 Glens network, and
unfortunately the Commission just can’t afford to replace it all.

“Luckily we think we’ll be able to find enough timber to finish the 80
metres at Fort Augustus in the next fortnight or so, but we don’t know what
we’re going to do about the rest unless we recover the stolen timber.

“The biggest loss is to the local community and local children, who have
really been looking forward to enjoying these trails and who have been
working enthusiastically to turn the dream into reality.

“Whoever stole it knew what they were doing – it’s a big operation to steal
14 tonnes of timber. If they’re local people they will have difficulty
enjoying their ill-gotten gains without being detected, because the timber
is easily identified by distinctive features that cannot be hidden, and by
unique security markings – and there are a lot of very angry local people
keeping an eye out for it. The police are also investigating.”

Meanwhile, the volunteers refused to let the loss dampen their enthusiasm,
and they pressed on during the weekend so that by Monday a large section of
the Fort Augustus trail – which will form a loop circuit on the outskirts of
the town – had taken shape. 10 Glens group secretary John Ireland said,

“We hope the Fort Augustus circuit will be open in a couple of weeks after a
few more volunteer sessions. We’re always on the lookout for more volunteer
trail builders, so if any other local people would like to join us for some
healthy exercise, fresh air and great company, they are welcome to get in
touch.”

Prospective trail builders should contact the Commission’s Fort Augustus
Forest District on 01320 366322. Anyone with information about the missing
timber should contact the Fort Augustus police station on 01320 366222.