MSP says ‘the impact remains’ after loss of Caithness active travel scheme
Maree Todd has praised the impact made by an active travel scheme that came to an end in Caithness at the end of March.
She said George Ewing deserved “enormous credit” for his work as a development officer for Cycling UK over the past four years.
Caithness is one of six parts of Scotland affected by the loss of funding from Regional Transport Partnerships for the national charity’s Connecting Communities programme.
Mr Ewing’s role involved promoting the use of bikes for short everyday trips. Successful projects included the launch of a cycle-to-school initiative for pupils of Noss Primary School in Wick.
Ms Todd, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross and Scottish Government minister for social care, mental wellbeing and sport, joined the Noss “bike train” at Staxigoe one morning in October.
A total of 135 cyclists took part that day and the MSP hailed it as “a standout example” of how schools can promote physical activity in accessible and enjoyable ways. She later presented Noss with its Rights Respecting Schools silver award.
Ms Todd said: “I understand the disappointment over the decision not to renew funding for Cycling UK’s Connecting Communities programme in Caithness.
“Enormous credit goes to George Ewing for all he has accomplished. While the funding may not have been extended, the impact remains – thanks to his efforts, many more people, including children, are now engaged in active travel.
“It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm for the bike train at Noss Primary School. I hope this valuable work can be integrated within Highland Council, ensuring that the benefits of active and sustainable transport seen so far in Caithness can continue.”
The council has been advertising four vacancies for behaviour change officers, covering Caithness and Sutherland as well as other locations.
Mr Ewing, a lifelong cyclist and retired police sergeant, was appointed in 2021 to lead Cycling UK’s Rural Connections activity in Caithness. Rural Connections and a separate project were later brought together under the new title Connecting Communities.
Supported by volunteers, he encouraged active travel through activities such as bike maintenance sessions, cycle skills training and social rides.
The Cycling UK website includes a testimonial from a Caithness person who benefited from the project, calling it “life-changing” and adding: “I’ve saved a fortune in fuel and feel better mentally and physically.”
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As reported earlier this week, James Scott, director of behaviour change at Cycling UK, said: “It’s with great sadness we must announce that the Regional Transport Partnerships funding for Cycling UK’s Connecting Communities programme has not been renewed, with six project locations closing before March 31.
“This decision affects projects in Inverclyde, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Dumfries and Galloway, East Sutherland and Caithness. These projects have played a vital role in changing lives and helping people gain confidence in cycling, access free bike maintenance and participate in social rides and walking activities.
“While we share the disappointment of the communities affected, we are incredibly grateful to our staff, volunteers, participants and partner organisations who made these projects a success.
“We remain fully committed to promoting active travel across Scotland and will continue working to create more opportunities for cycling, walking and wheeling.”
