Community groups urged to apply for Ian Findlay Path Fund grants

GROUPS seeking to improve paths in their communities are being invited to apply to a new grants fund.

The Ian Findlay Path Fund supports the improvement of local paths within and between communities, making it easier for people to travel by walking, wheeling, or cycling for daily journeys.

The new fund is supported by Transport Scotland to improve paths to make active travel easier and more attractive. This aims to encourage people to leave their cars at home for short journeys and benefit air quality, reduce CO2 emissions and improve our physical health and mental wellbeing.

Cash from the fund will back projects that improve usability and accessibility of paths for more people. This will reduce inequalities and improve access to greenspace and its benefits to mental health.

The fund is named in memory of Paths for All's late chief officer, Ian Findlay CBE who died very suddenly in March 2021.

Eligible path management projects include those which: Improve accessibility and resilience of existing paths between homes, community facilities, active travel routes and public transport facilities; Remove barriers to make existing paths more accessible to more people; Link paths to community destinations such as homes and public transport connections; Improve and create routes to aid the development of 20-minute neighbourhoods.

The fund is open to a wide range of community and third sector organisations.

Funding of £10,000-£100,000 is available with 30 per cent match funding required, 15 per cent of which can be in kind.

For more information and to apply visit https://www.pathsforall.org.uk

Queries can be emailed to IFPF@pathsforall.org.uk