The Black Isle village of Culbokie has marked the official opening of local active travel improvements.
A celebratory gathering, which included residents, school staff, pupils, parents, project funders and council staff, took place on Thursday 3rd September at Culbokie Green.
All pupils and staff made their way from the school along the new route to join others at the Green, which is at the centre of many community projects.
This project was fully funded through the Scottish Government’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund.
A new bench, zebra crossing and shared-use paths in the middle of the village make it easier to enjoy the view over to Ben Wyvis. Credit: The Highland Council
Penny Edwards, from Culbokie Community Trust, said: “This route has been a long time in the making and we are delighted to see it now in daily use. The community initiated this scheme quite a few years back. We progressed it with support from Sustrans – now the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust – and finally Highland Council took over to see it through construction.
“The project has improved existing footways, constructed new footways, installed new zebra crossings and improved public spaces.
“Early data shows that car speeds are lower in the village than before which is really welcome: residents have long been concerned about drivers going too fast.
“We’re also very grateful to Strath Civils for the lovely new benches, which were sorely needed.”
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “The aim of the Council’s Active Travel Strategy is for more people to be active for more journeys, more of the time. Working with partners, we are steadily delivering infrastructure improvements across the area along with behaviour change work such as Bikeability sessions in schools, including Culbokie Primary.
“We have an ambitious programme to deliver and there are many challenges, not least funding. But we know that active travel brings many health, environmental, financial and social benefits and every project adds to that.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “I’m pleased that Scottish Government funding of more than £1.4 million has helped deliver these improvements in Culbokie, making it safer and easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.
“Investment in active travel helps people save money, improve their health and reduce transport emissions.
“That is why we are investing £226 million in active and sustainable travel this year – helping to create safer and more accessible routes in communities, like we see in Culbokie, right across the country.”
Ishbel MacLeod, Head Teacher at Culbokie Primary School, added: “We’re delighted that staff, parents and pupils now have better provision for being active on the school run. That helps to reduce congestion and pollution around the school gate.
“Also it’s great to see pupils and parents laughing and chatting on their walk or cycle to and from the school.”
The Highland Council would like to thank residents and those who drive through Culbokie for their support and patience throughout project construction, and contractors Strath Civils for all their hard work especially over winter in the poorer weather.