£9.46 million awarded to 10 low carbon/active travel projects in Scotland

£9.46 million has been awarded to 10 active travel and low carbon projects across Scotland through the Scottish Government Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, said: “Our Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund is responding to the global climate emergency and helping to support Scotland’s green recovery from COVID-19. I’m pleased that a further 10 projects across the country will developed through this fund, with money from the European Regional Development Fund and the Scottish Government.

“These exciting projects will join other low carbon and active travel initiatives that have been very much welcomed by communities through the Challenge Fund. The Falkirk Low Carbon Vehicle Hub, which uses renewable energy to charge electric vehicles, is a prime example of what can be made possible through this programme.

“These projects will support our Programme for Government commitment to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032, whilst helping us to build an Active Nation and make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.”

In this third round of the Challenge Fund, The Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust has secured over £593,000 for the Gateway to Gigha project. The project will deliver construction and the upgrading of path networks spanning 8km across the isle of Gigha, interlinking sites of interest and importance. New bikes and e-bikes will be available to hire next to the ferry slip to reduce the need for private cars. The project will also include a newly created Island Ranger position which aims to encourage and promote the sustainable use and protection of Gigha’s landscape and assets, including through sustainable travel.

Jane Millar, Business Development Manager for the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust, said: “With thanks to the support from the European Regional Development Fund and the Scottish Government, Gigha will become more accessible. By improving our foot and cycle path network, and providing more information, we aim to reduce the number of car-borne visitors to Gigha and ensure that our visitors and residents know more about our environment, landscape and assets, and how best to protect them.”

Find a list of all the awarded projects here.