A much-loved Inverness businessman who died suddenly could have his wish of creating three special walks showcasing the beauty of the River Ness realised in his memory.<\/p>\n
The late Gus MacDonald, here at his crazy golf business by the River Ness, doted on his daughters Isla and Olivia.<\/p>\n
There was a huge outpouring of grief locally after Gus MacDonald, known to many as the \u2018Gus, the crazy golf guy\u2019, passed away on June 24, aged just 54.<\/p>\n
Many hundreds of mourners lined the road between the riverside and his popular Inverness Crazy Golf business to say farewell after a funny and deeply-moving live broadcast <\/a>from his funeral in July.<\/p>\n DONATE HERE: GoFundMe – New Thistle Walks initiative in memory of Gus MacDonald<\/a><\/p>\n Always one for a fresh idea, Gus had spoken of his dream of making it easier for local residents and visitors to explore some of Inverness\u2019s most beautiful outdoor spaces.<\/p>\n The new initiative, with a \u00a310,000 fundraising appeal aimed at individuals and businesses, will now seek to make the dream a reality by establishing three dedicated walking routes along the River Ness and surrounding areas.<\/p>\n Known as the Thistle Walks, they will offer 30-minute, 60-minute and 90-minute walks, giving people a simple and enjoyable way to discover the city at their own pace.<\/p>\n PAST STORY: \u2018An outpouring of love \u2026 an extraordinary man\u2019 \u2013 a crowd of close to 500 gathers to pay last respects to Gus<\/a><\/p>\n Gus worked alongside his mother, Bet MacDonald, for many years at both Inverness Crazy Golf and Whin Park.<\/a><\/p>\n Bet said: \u201cGus never stopped thinking about what he could do next, and I was never surprised when I heard, \u2018I have an idea.\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cHe always said the Islands were the most beautiful part of Inverness, but that there was very little there in the way of seating or information. He would often cycle or walk to work rather than drive so he could enjoy the scenery along the way.<\/p>\n \u201cGus would be so delighted to see this idea moving forward and giving people in Inverness, along with the many tourists who visit, the opportunity to enjoy the area and get pleasure from these lovely walks.\u201d<\/p>\n Achieving the \u00a310,000 target would bring the project to life, with the money supporting the development of the routes, including signage and other essential elements.<\/p>\n Gus was also known for his great philanthropy, with his latest charity crazy golf-athon, completed posthumously, raising an incredible, record sum of \u00a338,000 for local causes.<\/p>\n It is hoped Gus\u2019s legacy will be further strengthened by helping more people enjoy the natural beauty on the city\u2019s doorstep.<\/p>\n Through his work, cycling around Inverness and spending time at his business Inverness Crazy Golf, Gus regularly encountered visitors who were unsure where to go after reaching the River Ness and Ness Islands.<\/p>\n He often stopped to offer directions and believed there was an opportunity to make exploring the area easier and more accessible.<\/p>\n The proposed walks will begin in the heart of Inverness and follow the River Ness, taking in the beautiful Ness Islands.<\/p>\n The shorter routes will return towards the city centre, while the longer walks will continue towards the Caledonian Canal before looping back.<\/p>\n Each route will be marked by a different coloured thistle, creating a distinctive and easy-to-follow way of exploring the area.<\/p>\nThe late Gus MacDonald, by the River Ness with his beloved daughters Isla and Olivia.<\/p>\n
The River Ness.<\/p>\n