Muddy conditions in wet weather is currently preventing the path being used as a route for walkers to connect to schools, amenities, services, longer distance paths and cycleways.
The funding will greatly improve the path surface, create new signposting and seating, and open up viewpoints that have been lost due to excessive plant growth, as well as address issues relating to the steeper section of the path.
The work following the success of the footpath improvements along the Scouring Burn, which were completed at the end of 2015.
Stirling Council then assisted Dunblane Community Council in securing funding of £75,000 from the Scottish Government under the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) Agri-Environment Climate Scheme to improve the path network.
The project has also been supported through funding from Stirling Council’s Park Masterplan Implementation budget.
Secretary of Dunblane Community Council, Alan Booth said, “We’re absolutely delighted that work is now well underway to significantly improve access across this well used park, which will help to make the Laigh Hills an even more valuable local greenspace.
“Dozens of local volunteers also recently helped to plant 300 fruit trees. We would now like to get interested local people on board to help make the area even better for people and wildlife and so are planning to set up a Friends of the Laigh Hills Group in the near future.”
Convenor of the Environment and Housing Committee, Councillor Jim Thomson, said, “These works will create a fantastic path network that will be of benefit to residents and visitors. The improvements will open up Laigh Hills Park to a wide range of walkers and are a result of us working with and listening to the people of Dunblane on the best way forward for the parkland.”
Work is due to be completed by mid-February.
Anyone interested in joining the Friends of the Laigh Hills Group should contact Alan at cc@dunblane.info