The ambition of creating a dedicated mountain bike facility for Angus has taken a major step forward.
Local charity Angus Mountain Bike Trails Association (AMBTA) and Angus Council have announced that a tender for a new mountain bike skills and coaching centre near Arbroath has just been awarded.
Last night the group behind the long-held dream said they are confident that the facility will be up and running next year, to coincide with the expected surge in interest created by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Trail building company Architrail has been awarded the £3,675 contract by an AMBTA/Angus Council panel to complete a feasibility study and design for the planned attraction at Kinblethmont on the outskirts of Arbroath.
The project is being part funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the Lowlands and Uplands Scotland Programme 2007-2013.
AMBTA has been working with national cycling bodies Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) and Scottish Cycling as part of regional cluster development plans to improve cycling facilities.
AMBTA approached a number of local landowners and estates until talks got under way with Kinblethmont, who the group said have very kindly agreed to donate a small part of unused woodland over to community use for the development of the trail.
Scott Francis from AMBTA said: “The new skills park would be open for community use and mountain biking and cycling clubs.
“Presently there are no dedicated facilities in Angus for mountain bikers and this development will go a long way to helping AMBTA’s aim to encouraging participation and nurturing talent within the region.
“The new facility will aim to have a mixture of obstacles, trails, bumps and jumps to cater for all levels and age of rider and enable progression within the sport.”
Robert Ramsay from Kinblethmont Estate said: “Having an active family who are keen on cycling, we jumped at the chance of being a part of such a worthwhile project.
“It will not only benefit the local community but also visitors to the area and will be an asset to Angus, especially in the run-up to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.”
The major step forward with the tender is the latest stage of a successful year for AMBTA following the recent award of £500 from the BT Community Champions fund for tools to maintain trails in Angus.
The group also plans to build on a programme of mountain bike taster sessions in local primary schools in conjunction with Angus Council and Angus Active Schools.
“Initially, we were in talks with the Forestry Commission but the trail just went cold,” said Scott. “The mountain bike sector is looking to work with the private sector in the development of facilities in Scotland and it would be fantastic to have this in place for 2014.
“Dave Boffey put us forward to BT for the Community Champions fund and Hilary Tasker from Angus Council has also been a great help.
“Once we get the feasibility study and design in place, it will be straight on with the project and with the interest in mountain biking and the lead-up to the games, this is the best time to strike,” he added.
More information can be found at www.facebook.com/theambta.