Cyclists could soon be performing tricky two-wheeled manoeuvres beside a new skate park as a wheeled sports complex takes shape in Inverness.
Highland Skate Parks Association (HSPA), who will manage and maintain the facility when it opens this month, hope to add a bike park to the development.
An application has been submitted to Highland Council’s planning department for the proposal, which would encompass parts of the skate park, and the mini-golf course.
It will transform the former BMX track at Bught Park into a centre for coaching after young people throughout the Highlands responded favourably to a recent survey carried out by HSPA.
The association has been supported in the application by many organisations including Police Scotland, NHS Highland, and several community councils.
HSPA treasurer Nigel Campbell said: “Strong support has also come in from the local biking community, with 284 responses to a detailed survey we ran.
“Support letters have also come from Nevis Range, the championship mountain bike course at Fort William, and from the UK Forestry Trust, who manage several trails in the Highlands.”
If approved, the park will include multi-lane and beginner tracks as well as a trials zone and a skills loop around the perimeter of the site.
It has been designed to suit a wide range of bikers and is designed for low speeds in contrast to the BMX track which was there previously.
Around £480,000 has been spent on the adjacent skate park, which is nearing completion, and reflects on the sport’s growing popularity.
Funding was provided by the Big Lottery, Sport Scotland, and Highland Council, as a replacement for the previously neglected track was put in place.
Long term, it is hoped that enthusiasts from all over Europe will travel to the city to take part in major competitions.
HSPA’s application for the park, which will cover an area of 12,500sq ft, was lodged with Highland Council on October 14.