Funding for Highland Active Travel projects welcomed
The Highland Council has successfully secured funding from Transport Scotland for two Active Travel projects which will make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.
Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “This is terrific news. There are many benefits of active travel. It is beneficial for individual health, it is a cheaper form of transport, can help the shift to low carbon travel, improve air quality and can produce an increase in productivity and footfall in town centres and other locations.”
“The Council is working to deliver a low carbon transport network to tackle the climate and ecological emergency. Essentially this means making it easier, safer and more convenient for people to walk, wheel and cycle. The projects in Wick town centre and in Culbokie on the Black Isle both complement our work already underway and I’m delighted we can now press on with plans at both locations.”
The Wick Street Design project has been awarded funding to make improvements to the Bridge Street / High Street junction to make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross and reach the High Street from nearby car parks. The High Street’s pedestrian zone will be resurfaced, and rising bollards will be installed at both ends to control vehicle access and slow down authorised traffic, enhancing pedestrian safety. The project also includes new seating, planting, and artwork inspired by the Market Cross and local culture.
The Highland Council has been awarded funding to deliver the Culbokie Active Travel Village project which aims to make it easier, safer and more enjoyable for people spending time in the village walking, pushing buggies, using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, as well as cycling for all ages and abilities. The existing footpaths will be widened to 2 metres where necessary and new footpaths will be built so people can walk through the village without crossing the road. A new light controlled pedestrian crossing will also be installed along with physical traffic calming features including raised table junctions, carriageway pinch points and build-outs.
The tendering process is underway for the Wick and Culbokie projects with work expected to be completed by 31 March 2026.
In addition to funding for these two projects Transport Scotland will be delivering on the designs for improved non-motorized user transport provision at the Raigmore Interchange in Inverness, making it safer and more convenient for pedestrians, cyclists, and those using wheelchairs. The scheme will include full signalisation of the Interchange providing controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings.