A PROJECT in Aberdeenshire has been celebrated as part of the new Ian Findlay Path Fund managed by Paths for All that supports active and sustainable travel initiatives in communities across Scotland.
The Fund, supported by Transport Scotland, is designed to encourage the improvement of path networks within and between local communities to make it easier and more attractive for local people to walk, wheel, cycle or choose public transport for local everyday journeys.
Funding is allocated to projects which demonstrate planned improvements to usability and accessibility of paths, encouraging more people to use them.
Westhill and Elrick Community Council were awarded funds amounting to £119,859 across two projects.
£29,949 will go towards creating an accessible path to the north of the town, replacing an existing well-worn and muddy path while £89,910 will go to reinstate a well-used path through Carnie Woods, which along with the woods themselves, was almost destroyed during Storm Arwen in 2021.
In partnership with Aberdeen City Council who own the woods, the Westhill and Elrick Community Council intends to re-route and upgrade the path to encourage its use as a viable alternative for every day journey and reduced car use within the town for a wider range of users.
Other recipients included Lanark Community Development Trust who received £11,200 to improve the accessibility of the footpath that connects Lanark Grammar School with Hyndford Road and The Rural Access Committee for Kinross-shire (TRACKS) who received £76,690 to upgrade and improve the surface of a section of existing pathway around the shore of Loch Leven.
Patrick Harvie, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights who launched the fund at the beginning of August 2022 said: “I’m pleased to see the first grants being made through the Ian Findlay Path Fund.
“It’s great to see that even in the first few months, a range of communities across Scotland are already applying for support to improve their local paths and make walking, wheeling and cycling more attractive.
“This work is a fitting tribute to Ian’s proud legacy as a champion for active travel and supports the Scottish Government’s ambition to build an Active Nation.
“Funding is still available, and I would encourage community groups, development trusts, charities and housing associations – all seeking to improve their existing local paths, to get in touch with the team at Paths for All.”
“Collectively, these successful funding applications, will support improvement works including path creation, refurbishment, accessibility, resurfacing and widening to improve footfall and safety.”
Within this process the Ian Findlay Path Fund team are endeavouring to visit as many prospective applicants as possible to discuss and support for their projects and offer bespoke advice.
Yvonne McLeod, Senior Development Officer of the Ian Findlay Path Fund says: ” We’re thrilled to announce our support for the first projects through the Fund.
“After the first few months establishing the fund and its offer, we’ve enjoyed a wide range of exciting applications which demonstrate the innovation and dedication of community groups to encourage active travel and a connection to nature within their local communities.
Our team is learning with each new Expression of Interest.
“We are finding that every single group who gets in touch has their own unique circumstances, and it is interesting to hear from them directly how the Fund will reduce car use and increase active travel within their own communities. “
There is still time to apply to Ian Findlay Path Fund before the 31st March 2023.
From the point of award, projects will then have 12 months from the date of offer to complete their works.
Community groups looking to improve their local path networks are encouraged to contact the team to discuss their ideas.
The Ian Findlay Path Fund launched in August 2022, was named after the charity’s late Chief Officer, Ian Findlay CBE, who sadly passed away in March 2021.
Those interested in learning more about how the Ian Findlay Path Fund can support local projects here can visit the dedicated page here or contact the Ian Findlay Path Fund team at [email protected].
