VISITORS to a Dunbar museum have increased by nearly 25 per cent since the new John Muir Way was opened one year ago.

The extended route was officially opened in Dunbar by Alex Salmond on April 21 last year, surrounded by John Muir lookalikes and thousands of people from across East Lothian and beyond.

It stretches from Muir’s hometown to Helensburgh on the west coast and was designed to encourage people into the outdoors.

Muir was born in Dunbar but moved to America with his family as a boy. He then went on to become one of the founding fathers of the US National Park system.

Now, it has been revealed that the John Muir’s Birthplace museum in Dunbar has seen a big rise in visitor numbers since it opened.

Keith Geddes (pictured inset), chairman of the Central Scotland Green Network, helped to make the trail become a reality.

He said: “The John Muir Way was designed to be a route accessible to all, regardless of ability and experience.

“It’s been great to hear the feedback from walkers and cyclists about their own particular journey and adventure.

“The key aim in developing the route was to use Muir’s life as an inspiration for young people to take an interest in nature and in the challenges the world faces in dealing with climate change.

“It has been heartening to see local schools and local communities being inspired by Muir’s legacy and taking ownership of the route in their own area.

“A further benefit has been a boost to local economies. Dunbar traders, for example, are delighted at the noticeable upturn in business, while the John Muir Birthplace Trust Museum has seen a 23 per cent increase in footfall and a 45 per cent increase in sales.

“Over the coming year, we intend to do more to ensure that local businesses right along the route benefit directly.” Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesman for tourism and economic development, felt the route had been a real boost to the area as a whole.

Its 134 miles begin at Muir’s birthplace on Dunbar High Street. From there it follows the coast out of the town before heading to East Linton and then onto North Berwick.

The route continues through the coastal communities, including Dirleton, Gullane, Aberlady, Longniddry and Prestonpans. It reaches Musselburgh and Edinburgh before heading west.

Mr McMillan said: “I think the good thing is there is a real consolidated approach from the town’s traders and there’s [a large] number of people using it, walking or cycling, coming down on the train; it’s been a very, very positive year.

“Last year, the traders had things like the kites displays and it is a really good example of collaboration of many people to push the town on.” Mr McMillan had walked part of the route, from East Linton to North Berwick, last month and was met by more than a dozen people.

He added: “It’s an amazing thing. I visited the USA, and particularly with Florida and things like Disney, you are so aware of the effect John Muir had on the USA.

“To see us doing more with John Muir is only right.”