Transport Scotland Funding for Active Travel Projects

HITRANS has been awarded Active Travel Infrastructure Funding from Transport Scotland to progress two projects in the region.

Slighe an Iochdar

In Iochdar, South Uist, the Community Council has been supported through the Sustrans (now Walk, Wheel, Cycle Trust) Places for Everyone Fund to the stage where the route is ready for construction, and HITRANS are delighted to be able to provide the final piece of the funding jigsaw to realise their ambitions.  The route, which accommodates both pedestrians and cycles, will connect Sgoil an Iochdar with local housing, the community hall Talla an Iochdar and the local shop and Post Office, linking up with the Hebridean Way.  Transport Scotland are providing £955,016 in funding for construction.

Anne Bird, Iochdar Community Council Secretary, expressed gratitude to Sustrans, Transport Scotland, HITRANS and the generosity of their match funders for making the project possible.  “We are indebted to everyone who has helped along the way, including Cllr Iain A MacNeil and local path expert Peter Coldwell, and the late Donnie Steele.  All of our Ward Councillors have provided information and encouragement.”

The community have worked hard to raise match funding for the project, amounting to around 10% of the total project costs, with funding coming from Hebridean Jewellery, Storas Uibhist, Western Ises Development Trust, The Pebble Trust, NHS Western Isles, Coastal Communities Fund and ward funding from local councillors.

Local MSP Alasdair Allan commented; “This is certainly great news for South Uist; the pathway will be a great benefit for the local community, including local school children and visitors with its connections to both the local school and the world-famous Hebridean Way. I look forward to seeing this important project progress through the construction phase.”

Cllr Uisdean Robertson, chair of HITRANS, said “We are delighted that Transport Scotland has provided this vital investment, enabling the project to move from aspiration to reality. This funding secures a high-quality, fully protected route that will make everyday journeys safer for pupils, residents and visitors alike. By linking the school with homes, community facilities and the Hebridean Way, this path will strengthen the fabric of the community, support active travel, and enhance the area’s environmental and tourism potential. HITRANS is proud to support a project that has been driven with such determination by the local community and will deliver lasting benefits for South Uist.”

Skye Cycle Way

HITRANS will also receive £104,000 in grant funding from Transport Scotland this financial year to progress technical design of the first phase of the Skye Cycle Way, the project todevelop an active travel path between the Skye Bridge and Broadford.

The proposed route will provide a safe, fully segregated way for people of all ages and abilities to walk, wheel or cycle between Breakish and the Skye Bridge. Following sections of the old disused road, the route will offer a traffic-free link between communities and serve as the first section of a potential strategic Skye-wide active travel network.

The project is part of a long-standing goal of the local community to create a safe active travel network on Skye. The project has been supported by Broadford and Strath Community Company, a Development Trust who have worked closely with Skye’s MSP Kate Forbes, Councillor John Finlayson and HITRANS.

Neil Hope, Chair of Broadford and Strath Community Company commented:

“This investment is an important building block in progressing Phase 1 of the route, which runs alongside the most dangerous section of the A87. At a time when our roads look set to get even busier due to planned infrastructure projects, creating a safe route for all is more important than ever.

“We would like to thank the many local volunteers and supporters who have helped the project get this far.

“We look forward to working closely with HITRANS to help see the project through the next stages and to ensuring we create a path that is attractive and enjoyable for everyone.”

Kate Forbes MSP said:
“I’ve been proud to work closely with the Skye Cycle Way working group, Broadford and Strath Community Company and local residents to push for this investment.

“The Skye Cycle Way will make cycling safer and easier for local people, and for everyone who visits this beautiful part of the island with their bike. A big well done to the community, and I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition.”

HITRANS will lead on the delivery of both projects in collaboration with local partners, and are delighted to be able to help progress these projects which the community groups have been working on for such a long time.