A controversial decision to close off a popular riverside walk will be reviewed in the coming weeks.
The historic Oakbank Road at Blairgowrie was locked down following a major landslide two years ago.
The area which offers the only direct access to the famous Cargill’s Leap area could be fenced off for good, after consultants commissioned by the local authority said the cost of making the land safe again could run to millions of pounds.
Perth and Kinross Council’s environment committee will look again at the site, however, after an impassioned plea by locals. The town’s community council called for the route to be reopened to the public, with clearer warning signs in place to alert visitors to potential dangers.
Committee convener Alan Grant said council officers will revisit the route in March. They are expected to bring a fresh report to councillors that month, he said.
The pedestrianised road belongs to Sir William Macpherson of Cluny but responsibility for its upkeep lies with the council.
In 1989 Sir William leased the road to the council for 99 years at £1 per annum, provided the council maintained the path for the use of pedestrians and took responsibility for any tree damage, road maintenance and other mishaps.
The footpath has been described as one of the most popular walks in Perthshire and attracts about 50,000 people each year.
The trail leads to a spot known as Cargill’s Leap, where covenanter Donald Cargill escaped government troops by jumping across the River Ericht.
Locals said they continue to use the road and have insisted an alternative route suggested by the council, along the top of a steep slope, is more dangerous. If the council decides to keep the road closed, around £3,000 could be spent making the alternate route safer and more accessible.
Around 2,500 people have signed a petition calling for the walking route to be restored.