First Phase Of The Dingwall To Invergordon Cycle Route Nearing Completion

10th October 2006

The first phase of a new cycle route that will eventually link Dingwall, Evanton, Alness and Invergordon is currently underway. A roadside path has been created along part of the Ballachraggan straight, which follows the B817 into Alness from the Struie Road (B9176), as well as signage and road marking measures that are currently being undertaken between Dingwall and Evanton.

The aim of the project is to provide safer routes for cyclists and walkers through a combination of new roadside paths and improvements to existing off-road paths and minor roads.

The project has been funded by The Highland Council's Planning and Development Service and Sustrans Scotland (acting on behalf of the Scottish Executive) with the objective of developing the National Cycle network through linking up neighbouring community settlements with school, leisure and work destinations.

An additional £200k has been secured from the Scottish Executive through Sustrans Scotland for Phase two which is scheduled for spring/summer 2007. This additional funding will allow the completion of the roadside path into Alness along the Ballachraggan straight as well as the improvement and extension of an off-road path between Evanton and the Struie road. It is hoped that further funding will be secured by spring next year to enable completion of the route into Invergordon.