An appeal to preserve some of Scotland’s most popular and dramatic mountains has got off to a great start, raising more than £40,000 in 40 days.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Sole Trading Appeal was launched on 28 August this year. Already, generous supporters have donated in excess of £46,000 to help the conservation charity continue crucial repair work on pathways at Trust properties including Torridon, Glencoe and Kintail to help prevent erosion and protect the fragile mountain environment.

The conservation charity is aiming to raise £80,000 this year to fund the work of its dedicated upland footpath team, and specialist contractors. These skilled and hardy workers care for more than 394 miles of mountain paths and spend 50 per cent of their work time at altitudes over 2500ft in places like Ben Lawers, Ben Lomond, Mar Lodge Estate, Glencoe and Kintail.

Arthur Martin, Head of Countryside at the Trust said:

“The response to our appeal this year has been fantastic. There are so many people out there who appreciate the work that the Trust does to protect and conserve some of Scotland’s most rugged and remote mountain landscapes.

“We are already more than half way towards our target for this year. This will help us make big strides in carrying on with the ongoing specialist work needed to maintain our mountain pathways in some of Scotland’s most stunning and fragile highland areas.”

Donations to the appeal can be made at www.nts.org.uk/soletrading