THIRTY tourism businesses, social enterprises and community groups have been supported to help the South of Scotland become one of the leading cycling destinations in the world.
The £300,000 South of Scotland Cycling Infrastructure Fund provided capital grants of £3000 to £25,000 to organisations in the area to invest in their cycling facilities.
The fund aims to improve facilities for visiting cyclists taking part in the Kirkpatrick C2C, South of Scotland’s Coast to Coast cycling route, or riding the 7Stanes trail centres.
Investments included bike storage, bike racks, power charging sockets for cycle tourers, bike locks, bike washes, drying equipment and repair stations amongst others.
One of those benefiting was Ernespie Farm at Castle Douglas, which is run by the McMiken family and includes a farmhouse kitchen, garden centre, gift shop and soft play facilities.
They received support to create a repair station, with washing facilities and lockers for the increasing number of cyclists visiting them.
Owner David McMiken said: “We have seen a gradual rise in visitors arriving on bike, which we believe is down to the increased popularity of cycling post-covid, as well as the launch of the Kirkpatrick C2C.
“I see the cycling market as a growth opportunity in Dumfries and Galloway and hence my application to the Cycling Infrastructure Fund to improve our facilities.”
Meanwhile, Russel Griggs OBE, chair of SOSE, said: “The aim of the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership is to create one of the leading cycling destinations in the world.
“Through the Cycling Infrastructure Fund, we are supporting this aim, by helping 30 local tourism organisations to adapt their business models to capitalise on the increasing number of cycling visitors from the Kirkpatrick C2C and 7stanes trail centres.”
And Scottish Business Minister Richard Lochhead, who has been hearing about the fund, said: “This is a welcome initiative, supporting the development of infrastructure to help cycling play a greater role in the local economy and giving a valuable boost to local businesses.”
