A controversial new tourist trail that spans Perthshire and beyond has been expanded, despite criticism from residents who live along the route.
The map for the Heart 200 circuit – aimed at leading visitors to the highlights of central Scotland – has been adjusted by organisers.
Looking to latch onto the success of the North Coast 500, the new 200-mile trail will lure visitors to rural Perthshire and Stirlingshire. taking in Blairgowrie, Strathearn and Kinross-shire.
Although the trail has not yet been officially launched, plans have been updated on the official website.
The route now loops around Loch Leven in the southeast corner, adds in a stretch of the A873 in Stirlingshire and stops off in Braco.
However, the most notable expansion could be the inclusion of Aberfeldy and Kenmore in Highland Perthshire.
Neighbouring Glenlyon and Loch Tay community council has already slammed the proposals, claiming that the roads are not ready for an influx of traffic, amid fears over littering and wild camping.
Peter Ely, chairman of Kenmore and District Community Council, expressed his concerns about the route before the Loch Tay village was added to the plans.
He said: “It is an inescapable fact that the roads, certainly in our area, cannot continually take more and heavier traffic.
“Kenmore at the loch front already snarls up with traffic on any really sunny weekend in the summer, and there’s no adequate traffic parking to relieve this. The U-roads are a total frustration.
“I also do not think minor roads should form any part of the published route. It should be A-roads only.
“For example, although not in the Kenmore area, the inclusion of the route from Fearnan to Fortingall seems bizarre to say the least.”
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart said: “The idea behind Heart 200 is clearly well-intentioned but I really think that Perth and Kinross Council should have rectified road issues and put this out to consultation with residents before promoting the route.
“I know that the council have said they will act on any road repairs that are reported to them but many of these roads are very narrow and have ill-defined passing places and road edges. Fixing that is a much bigger task than filling in a few potholes.”
The local authority, which is supporting the project, has urged anyone to report issues with road conditions along the route to them urgently.
The Courier contacted the Heart 200 team for comment but they did not respond.
