An energy giant generated a bit of spin yesterday for a new electric bike scheme in Inverness.
SSE staff used their pedal power to test out one of the contraptions which will soon be seen on the streets of the Highland capital.
And the verdict? They’re “wheelie good”.
The company is providing up to £40,000 towards two charging points and lockers in Inverness – at the Highland Council’s Glenurquhart Road headquarters and at Stephen’s Brae.
The initiative, which will be launched in the summer, will be similar to London’s so-called “Boris Bike” scheme.
It is hoped the project will help the Carbon Clever scheme, which aims to be carbon neutral by 2025.
Initially there will be 12 bikes and two hire points when the pilot launches, but it is hoped it will expand across the city if it proves to be successful.
SSE will also lease the bikes to the council at a cost of £15,000 per annum.
Marianne Townsley, who works in SSE’s Inverness office, tried out one of the bikes yesterday.
She said: “The Carbon CLEVER Cycles project is a great way to help Inverness reach its goal of becoming carbon neutral and we are delighted to be supporting it.
“Some of the staff from our Inverness office were treated to a sneak peak of the bikes today. It was a great chance to test out the newest form of pedal power to come to the Highland capital.”