Projects will boost cycling and walking in Scotland

Five travel schemes from around Scotland have been picked to receive funding totalling £22.5 million as part of a competition run by a charity

Sustrans Scotland awarded the cash to two projects in Edinburgh and one each in Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness.

Between them they will receive grants totalling £22,540,360 from government agency Transport Scotland.

Daisy Narayanan, deputy director for built environment at Sustrans Scotland, said: “Funding all five final projects is a bold step towards a healthier, more sustainable and vibrant Scotland which designs places around the needs of people over vehicular access.

“These five exemplar projects will demonstrate the wide ranging benefits that well designed places bring, such as boosting footfall for local business, improving the health of local people and creating safer environments that are more pleasant to live in and move through.”

Announcing the awards, Scottish transport minister Humza Yousaf said: “Through the Community Links Plus award people will be able to enjoy new active travel routes and, whether it is for commuting or leisure, more people across Scotland will be able to enjoy the benefits of greener and healthier modes of transport.”

One of the projects involves a dedicated cycle path running through the historic centre of the Scottish capital.

Edinburgh’s transport convener Lesley Macinnes welcomed the announcement.

“We are absolutely delighted that not one but two City of Edinburgh Council active travel projects have been awarded this vitally important funding.

“As the fastest growing city in Scotland – and second fastest in the UK – it’s critical that we put people at the very heart of our transport infrastructure.”