A project to restore a historic access route to a secluded cove on Lewis has been completed, proving safe access down a cliff to a single shore which -
Work on the Shulishader steps was delayed due to lockdown. The steep flight of steps down to the geodha (Gaelic for cove) has now been cleaned and repaired, which a few additional steps added to the original 88, and a metal handrail installed – all for safety purposes.
An 300 metre long access path has been created from the township to the steps.
A couple of benches of recycled plastic have also been installed, after funding was secured to buy benches for along the whole of the Point and Sandwick Coastal Community Path, as it is completed.
The work at Shulishader is part of the overall vision for a Point and Sandwick Coastal Community Path and community wind farm Point and Sandwick Trust has been one of the key funders, with the wind farm’s community consultants Tony Robson and Alasdair Nicholson helping to support the path project in their technical and fundraising capacities.
The windfarm donated £9,000 towards the work at Shulishader, as part of the vision for a 40km path leading out from Stornoway through Steinish, Sandwick and the Braighe and around the peninsula of Point – a project expected to cost a total of around £1 million, although the work is being done in stages, as funding allows.
Matt Bruce, chair of the coastal path group, said they were “pleased to be able to complete another section of work at the Shulishader Steps.”
He added: “They lead down to the Geodha which was used by locals decades ago for fishing boats. The steps down had become worn and battered and now a handrail has been installed, steps repaired, better drainage and even a bench on the beach. Already it is being used by bathers and the word is out that it is a good place to visit.”
Safe access to historic fishing cove
29 April 2021