Lords and Ladies attend Semple Trail opening

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The Semple Trail is named after the Semple Family who owned land around the Castle Semple area for almost 5 centuries. Lord Jamie Semple, current head of the Semple family, cut the ribbon and declared the new section of the path network open.

Lord Jamie Semple said: "The family are delighted. It is fantastic that the local community and the South Renfrewshire Access Network Initiative (SRANI) wanted to use our family name so long associated with this area. I do hope locals and visitors alike will make good use of the facilities."

Lord Jamie Semple, the twenty-first Lord, was accompanied by the medieval 'first Lord Semple', Councillor Derek Mackay, leader of Renfrewshire Council, and John Lauder, national director of Sustrans Scotland.

With the ribbon-cutting complete, a community procession of nearly 200 people walked along the new path to Castle Semple Centre. Celebrations included live music, children's activities, refreshments and free bike hire.

The Semple Trail links routes, facilities and attractions around Castle Semple Loch. One of the recently completed sections provides an off-road section of the National Cycle Network through Lochwinnoch. Completion of this means people can now walk or cycle between the village, the visitor centres, and the station without worrying about traffic on a busy road.

Councillor Derek Mackay said: "The council is committed to environmental projects, and we fully recognise the social and economic values projects such as the Semple Trail can have. The launch of the Clean Renfrewshire' campaign earlier in the day is more evidence of our support of the environment."

John Lauder, national director of Sustrans Scotland, said: "As a significant partner in SRANI, we are delighted to see these phases complete. We are keen to develop local and national routes but also routes into and between communities of which this project is a fine example."

Charlie Woodward, manager of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and host of the Semple Trail celebrations, said: "Plans for the network include much more than simply creation of the path! With further community and funding support, future development will not only allow greater access to the area around the loch but also greater access to the many natural and built heritage features in the area and improve opportunities for tourism and economic growth. A Conservation Statement, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is currently being prepared. There is also a public consultation event being held at Castle Semple Visitor Centre (between 2-4pm or 6-8pm on Wednesday 21 May) to which I encourage attendance."

Press release from Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park: Monday 19 May 2008