THE sun shone as a new footpath to Powfoot beach was opened on Wednesday.
The £14,000 project is a joint venture between the Cummertrees and Cummertrees West Community Council and the Powfoot Charity Group with the support of Dumfries and Galloway Council and it has been over a year in the making.
Dozens of residents gathered at the shoreline to witness the ribbon cutting by newly appointed deputy lord lieutenant Ann Jack, along with pupils from Cummertrees Primary School who played a special role in the ceremony as they unveiled the path’s new information board featuring tiles designed by the youngsters themselves depicting creatures.
Community councillor Mike Rodger said: “The strength and support shown by the community has been enormous. I’m delighted at how well this project has been received. It’s something that we’ve needed for a while, so that more people can safely access the beach and now that it’s finished it can be enjoyed for years and generations to come.
“The children from Cummertrees Primary School have done an excellent job of designing their decorative tiles and will come down to the beach more often for work on projects relating to the ecology of the coast.
“I want to say thank you to all of our project partners, and to everyone for coming today, and to Ann Jack, the deputy lord lieutenant, for making it an extra special occasion.”
Mrs Jack added: “Thank you for inviting me here today to be a representative for His Majesty. It gives me great pleasure to open this path and I want to thank everybody, all you children for all your hard work for making it happen.
“And I really hope that this path give you all great pleasure for many many years to come.”
Following the celebrations, the Powfoot Charity Group distributed muffins to the pupils donated by Francis’ Bakers. They then enjoyed a talk by the deputy lord lieutenant about her role.
