A long-awaited mountain bike trail in Deeside was officially opened today.
The Tarland Trails have been a labour of love for the community, who have worked tirelessly to bring a bike track to the area for years.
After teaming up with partner organisations, the £1.1million Tarland Trails Pittenderich trail centre attraction – made up of 11 miles of trails on and around the slopes of Pressendye and Pittenderich – is now fully open.
The development is a follow-up from the hugely successful phase one project at Tarland Trails – Drummy Woods, which has become a hub of activity for cyclists.
Since a soft opening five weeks ago, around 12,000 bikers have been tried out the sweeping turns, big berms and jumps.
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The Tarland Development Group delivered the community-led project, raising funds and getting donations from local businesses and individuals.
Members also securing investment from partners including North East Adventure Tourism (Neat) and Opportunity North East (One), with funding from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund, Scottish Enterprise, and Sportscotland and Scottish Cycling’s joint Cycling Facilities Fund.
Today, representatives gathered to celebrate their success.
Jennifer Craw, chief executive of One, said: “Aberdeenshire’s mountain biking scene has been on a steady rise over the past few years, boasting a fantastic natural trail network, an enthusiastic and welcoming riding community, creative and adaptable local bike businesses, a thriving race and event scene, and recent winners of IMBA Europe’s Protect and Enhance award, Aberdeenshire Trail Association.
“The fantastic riding experiences, quality of the trails, setting and unique partnership are attracting international recognition.
“This facility caters for both the growing local cycling community and visitors and delivers a significant economic boost.
“A growing number of businesses benefit from Aberdeenshire’s mountain biking and adventure tourism offering through jobs in the supply chain, including bike shops, event organisers, accommodation providers, restaurants and cafes.
“The Tarland Trails investment is a key step towards delivering the region’s ambition to be the destination of choice for the fast-growing adventure tourism market.”
The Macrobert Trust Estate and a private landowner have provided a lease to secure the project site for years to come.
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