A BRAND new bench to mark the western end of the John Muir Way in Helensburgh has been installed on the town’s esplanade.

The new bench, inscribed with quotes from John Muir’s writings, replaces a previous oak bench which had fallen into disrepair.

The Green Action Trust arranged for the new bench to be created and inscribed with words by Muir which they hope will inspire walkers and cyclists setting out on part or all of the 134-mile route, or give those walking from east to west a welcome at the end of their journey.

Its installation coincides with John Muir Day today (Thursday) - with April 21 not only the anniversary of Muir’s birth in 1838, but also, this year, the eighth anniversary of the Way itself.

The long-distance walking route was launched on this day in 2014, the centenary year of Muir’s death.

 

The new bench gives walkers a chance to look out to the Firth of Clyde and across to Greenock, from where John Muir and his family left Scotland for a new life in the United States (David Bruce_

The new bench gives walkers a chance to look out to the Firth of Clyde and across to Greenock, from where John Muir and his family left Scotland for a new life in the United States (David Bruce)

 

The bench was funded by NatureScot and Argyll and Bute Council and was installed by Heron Bros as part of their community engagement in the town alongside the firm’s work on the new waterfront leisure centre and swimming pool.

Elaine Macintosh, development officer at the Green Action Trust, said:“We’d had a report that the existing bench was broken, and with relocation and enhancement of the existing artwork having been ruled out for the time being, we took the opportunity to improve the existing location by replacing the old bench.

“We hope that the quotes inscribed on the bench will increase the profile of the John Muir Way and catch the interest of people who might not know much about John Muir or the long distance route.

"We’re grateful to Heron Bros for installing the bench and giving the existing stone artwork a good clean too. Likewise for support from the council and the Helensburgh Waterfront Development team.

 

The new bench replaces an old wooden seat which was in poor condition (Heron Bros)

The new bench replaces an old wooden seat which was in poor condition (Heron Bros)

 

“The John Muir Way attracts visitors from around the world, particularly from the USA, where Muir is better known than here in his homeland.

"But the Way is increasingly used by locals too, with many finding it to be an excellent way of getting out into nature and discovering our own country.”

Kevin Farrell, project manager at Heron Bros, said: “Myself and the Heron Bros site team on the Helensburgh waterfront development are delighted to have been able to assist the Green Action Trust in refreshing such an iconic focal point in the town as the John Muir Way.”

The route links Dunbar, Muir’s birthplace, with Helensburgh, and its views to Greenock, where Muir and his family left Scotland for a new life in the US.