Petition calling for Dalwhinnie level crossing to be reopened continues to grow

More than 7500 people have now signed a petition by Ramblers Scotland calling for the re-opening of the Ben Alder crossing at Dalwhinnie.

The charity said that it hopes that Network Rail is 'beginning to reflect upon the depth of feeling on this issue'.

The petition launched two weeks ago now stands at 7,649 names.

Ramblers Scotland is urging people to keep on signing the petition.

A spokesperson said: "Every signature helps us make a stronger case for reopening this popular historic route."

“We’re hugely grateful to all of those who have already signed our joint petition.

“We encourage many more people to help us stand up for our hard-won access rights by signing and sharing it."

Bill Paul posted on the Ramblers Scotland site: "We crossed here on 17th July just before an LNER train passed.

"A Network Rail employee was manning the gate until it passed. In conversation with them we were told she drives from Glasgow every Saturday and Sunday for that one train. Someone else does the job on weekdays.

"I suspect this is the reason they are trying to close the crossing."

The petition states:

"On 28 July 2021, Network Rail locked its level crossing at Dalwhinnie without consulting residents, local authorities or outdoor groups.

This petition calls for Network Rail to urgently reopen the gates to allow a proper consultation with the community and recreational interests.

It's unacceptable and high-handed decision aims to stop residents, walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and others using the historic track going west from Dalwhinnie towards stunning lochs, glens and hills - including much-loved Ben Alder.

Network Rail's actions fails to reflect the huge public interest in the level crossing, nor do they adhere to its own pledge 'to work collaboratively and sensitively' with communities living near the railway.

This decision has united the local community and wider outdoor interests - and is supported by Ramblers Scotland, British Horse Society, Cycling UK in Scotland, Mountaineering Scotland and ScotWays.

The route pre-dates the railway and has been used for generations. Core paths lead up to the railway on either side and the track links to a local path network that has been developed to the west of the line by the local community.

We understand that vehicular access to the local estate will continue over the crossing so, if this can be achieved safely, why not for walkers, cyclists and others?

Network Rail is turning the railway into an impenetrable barrier for most people in the nearby village – contrary to the spirit of our hard-won Scottish access rights. This leads us to question the basis on which the crossing has been closed.

We consider this closure to be disrespectful of the local community and wider public interest and to show a complete misunderstanding of the basis on which access is taken in Scotland. Find out more about Ramblers Scotland's position here.

We call on Network Rail to urgently reconsider its decision - and unlock the gates."

The petition can be found here

Anger in Dalwhinnie after popular level crossing is locked by Network Rail

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