Moray's MSP hails £8m cycling fund
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Richard Lochhead has welcomed a £8million fund to improve cycling facilities across Scotland and is encouraging local groups to apply for a share.
The Cycling Facilities Fund, which is jointly fund by the Scottish Government and sportscotland, aims to capitalise on the increasing number of people getting on their bikes since lockdown.
Applications are open to clubs, schools, local authorities or leisure trusts, charitable organisations, community sports hubs and community organisations.
Projects can bid for awards of up to £100,000 for smaller ‘inspire’ projects and up to £500,000 for major projects
Mr Lochhead said: "Moray is a popular destination for cyclists and has been put on the map by big events like Ride the North and the Glen Moray Bike Ride.
"There’s huge potential locally to grow that interest, to inspire more people to get on their bikes, and to make Moray one of the top places to ride in Scotland.
"Over the last few months we’ve seen a big increase in the number of people getting on their bikes, whether that’s to cycle to work or school, or just to get out of the house for a bit of exercise.
"We need to embrace the incredible growth in cycling we’ve seen this year.
"This fund will go a long way to ensuring that we have the facilities we need to make cycling in Scotland a sport for life.
"I’d encourage local groups and organisations who have an interest in cycling facilities to look at whether they may have a project that could be funded through this new scheme.
"It would be great to see Moray benefit from this new cash and it’d be a real boost to see local facilities improve as a result of this fund."
