Forestry Commission Scotland is delighted by today's announcement of £71,000 worth of European Union (EU) funding to help it build a network of challenging mountain bike trails in Learnie Forest, on the Black Isle, north of Inverness.

The mountain bike funding was part of a package of funding measures from the EU's Highlands & Islands Special Transitional Funding Programme that was announced today by Scotland's Deputy Minister for Enterprise & Lifelong Learning, Allan Wilson.

Reacting to the news, the Commission's Inverness District Forester, Jack Mackay, said,

"This funding announcement is great news for all concerned. It was the last piece in the jigsaw we needed to complete before we could start work on what we hope will be a real asset to the local community. We can now press ahead and invite tenders for the work and, all going well, we hope to open the trails in the autumn."

Mr Mackay explained that although there were already trails in the forest built by local enthusiasts, their use was becoming so heavy that it was necessary to take steps to regulate it. In partnership with the trails' user group, it was agreed to establish a more formal facility and management structure that would ensure public safety, avoid conflicts between different types of forest user, and ensure that mountain biking did not damage the forest environment. The Commission had therefore worked closely with the Highland Mountain Bike Association (HIMBA) to develop plans that would meet these criteria while providing the kinds of challenge that serious riders want.

The Commission also expected there would be worthwhile spin-offs for the local community, as Mr Mackay explained,

"Mountainbiking is growing in popularity around the world, with riders prepared to travel to try out different trails, so we expect that when they are completed the Learnie Forest trails will bring in visitors from outside the area, which will be good for the local economy. This has already been shown by our experience at our new Laggan Wolftrax trails, near Laggan. We also expect they will generate some extra jobs in the area.

"We're also keen to work with HiMBA and local community organisations to make the trails available to 'excluded' groups, such as disadvantaged young people and people with learning difficulties. HiMBA have already purchased their own mountain bikes which, supervised, they allow others who don’t own their own bike to use.

“The local GPs have also said they will promote the trails to their patients as a great place to improve their health.

"The Scottish Executive wants the public to gain as many benefits as possible from Scotland's national forests, so that not only do they provide sustainable timber and safe places for our wildlife to live, but they also contribute to the health and well-being of our bodies, minds and communities. These trails will be another big step forward in realising that ambition."

HiMBA’s Learnie project officer, Tim Meek, added,

"We at the Highland Mountain Biking Association (HiMBA) are thrilled with this development.

“For us it demonstrates what partnerships are all about. In this case a local user group sees the opportunity to develop first-class mountain bike trails, and that vision is turned into reality by Forestry Commission Scotland and the funders. If anyone wanted a model for how to make things happen in their local area then look no further.

“Of course there is a huge amount of work for everybody concerned, but what a fantastic end result the trail will be, offering exciting riding for all abilities."

The proposed network will be centred around a Commission quarry, Callachy Hill and Flowerburn in the woodland east of the A832 Rosemarkie-to-Cromarty road. The total length of purpose-built, singletrack trail will be about 11.5 kilometres (7.2 miles) in addition to 2.5km (1.6 miles) of "out-and-back" routes using existing forest roads. There will be “moderate”, “difficult” and “severe” sections of trail built to complement the existing forest roads, which already provide an “easy” off-road alternative. In addition, HiMBA will consider building technical timber features, and an area for “dirt jumping”. Access will be available from near the existing forest gate and car park on the A832. Work to enlarge the car parking area is under way, and the Commission has identified that there is enough space to enlarge it further if the need arises.

The £159,000 funding for the project comprises £10,000 from Highland Council, £30,000 from Ross & Cromarty Enterprise, £40,000 from Forestry Commission Scotland, £5000 from HIMBA, £3000 from Scottish Natural Heritage, and £71,000 from the EU's Highlands & Islands Special Transitional Funding Programme.

NOTES TO EDITOR:

1. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive's forestry department. It manages 656,000 hectares of national forest lands owned by Scottish Ministers for multiple benefits, including timber production, nature conservation and public recreation; supports other woodland owners with grants, felling licences, advice and regulation; promotes the benefits of forests and forestry; and advises Ministers on forestry policy.
2. The Forestry Commission is Britain's leading provider of challenging mountain biking trails. The Learnie Forest trail network will be the third such network in the north of Scotland, the others being the Witch's Trail in Leanachan Forest, near Fort William, and Laggan Wolftrax in Strathmashie Forest, near Laggan in Strathspey & Badenoch. In addition an existing informal network of trails in national forests at Fochabers in Morayshire is being improved and extended. The Commission also manages seven trails across the south of Scotland, known as the 7Stanes, which have achieved international renown, and a number of nationally important trails in Wales.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

• Charlton Clark, FC Scotland press office, 0131 3146507; mobile 07810 181067;
• Jack Mackay, Inverness Forest District, 01463 791575.