Scotland News
This page contains news from Sustrans Scotland. For the latest news on the National Cycle Network in Scotland, see the Scottish Route Developments page. For information on temporary closures, see Route Closures and Diversions.
Route 78 - Oban to Fort William (part of The Caledonia Way)
In early 2009, two further sections of the Oban to Fort William route were completed, giving three miles of new multi-use, traffic-free path between the Sea Life Centre north of Oban and the Creagan Bridge. Another mile between Portnacroish and Dallens was also added. The access controls, which have been especially designed to promote this new flagship route, were installed in July on the route between Kentallen to Ballachulish. In Spring 2010, work will begin on the construction of the path between Portnacroish and Inverfolla.
The new national cycle route linking Inverness and Campbeltown is to be named The Caledonia Way. (Updated 21 December 2009).
National Route 75 - Airdrie-Bathgate Cycle Route closed
The railway path is closed between Airdrie and Bathgate to allow the reconstruction of the 15-mile Airdrie to Bathgate Rail Link. A new cycle route is being constructed by Network Rail and should be open in 2011. There are no signed diversion routes, but for suggested alternatives, see the Clyde to Forth page. We hope to improve Route 75 between Airdrie and Glasgow in time for the new route opening. (Updated 17 August 2009).
National Route 76 - Coastal route between Edinburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed
The new cycleway along the A1 between Skateraw and Bilsdean, south of Dunbar, was completed by Transport Scotland at the end of September 2009, completing the coastal route between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Edinburgh.
National Route 75 - Rodney Street Tunnel opens
Rodney Street Tunnel at Broughton in Edinburgh was officially opened on the 30th July, 2009 by City Transport Convener, Cllr Gordon Mackenzie. The re-opening gained support from Sir Chris Hoy MBE stating "The improved access into the city centre will hopefully encourage lots of people on to their bikes and perhaps lead to a change of lifestyle."
The old railway tunnel passes under Broughton Road and Rodney Street becoming part of Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 75 and linking King George Park to the supermarket on Broughton Road and the North Edinburgh Path Network. It once formed part of the line that originally carried trains from Edinburgh Canal Street station to the Granton Ferry before the Forth Road Bridge was built.
This new link supports the city's commitment that one in every six journeys will be by bicycle in 2020 as Edinburgh has become the first in the UK to sign up to the "Charter of Brussels", a commitment to a European pro-cycling policy. The city joined others including Madrid, Milan and Munich in agreeing to sign up. (Updated 17 August 2009).
Scottish girls encouraged to get on their bike
Sustrans Scotland has been awarded £230,000 to encourage pupils aged 9 to 16 to cycle to school at least once a week. This two year pilot project will work particularly with girls as the main target group and will focus on the transition years from primary school to secondary school. Dedicated cycling officers are now in post working with four secondary schools and their feeder primary schools in Portobello in Edinburgh and in Perth.
The cycling industry initiative Bike Hub is providing the funding for Sustrans to organise cycle to school events, cycle training and bike maintenance for girls. The programme will also inspire girls to banish their concerns over 'helmet hair' and other image worries with cycling fashion tips, and by promoting the wider health and fitness benefits. As well as encouraging girls to take to two wheels, the project will also include whole school activities, where boys will also benefit. (Updated 21 December 2009).