Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 29/09/2023

Funding for the South of Scotland

A new £300,000 South of Scotland cycling infrastructure fund has been created to support the region’s aim of becoming one of the leading cycling destinations in the world.

The fund facilitated by the South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) offers capital grants of £3,000 to £25,000 to support tourism businesses, social enterprises and community groups who own visitor facing assets to invest in cycling infrastructure.

The investments will aim to improve facilities for visiting cyclists taking part in the Kirkpatrick C2C, South of Scotland’s cycling route, or riding the 7Stanes trail centres.

All applicants must be located within two miles of one of the Kirkpatrick C2C’s 22 named stop over locations or directly on the Kirkpatrick C2C route; or within five miles of the 7Stanes trail centres.

Find out more about who can apply, how to submit an entry and when the fund opens.

cyclist in the south of scotland

Cyclist taking in the views in the South of Scotland

Eligible infrastructure projects include bike storage, bike racks, power charging sockets for cycle tourers, bike locks, bike washes, drying equipment and repair stations amongst others.

What you need to know about the fund

  • What is the fund?

    The Cycling Infrastructure Fund offers capital grants of £3,000 to £25,000 to support tourism businesses, social enterprises and community groups who own visitor facing assets to invest in cycling infrastructure.

    The investments will aim to improve facilities for cyclists taking part in the Kirkpatrick C2C, or riding the 7Stanes trail centres.

  • When is the fund open?

    The fund will accept applications from Thursday 5 October to Friday 31 January 2025 or until all funds are distributed - whichever is earlier.

    All projects must be completed and claimed for by the date mutually agreed on each applicant’s grant offer letter and before Friday 7 March 2025.

  • What can the fund be used for?

    The funding can be used towards purchase and installation of cycling infrastructure at premises owned by the applicant.

    Examples of eligible infrastructure investment include:

    • Secure bike storage
    • Bike racks
    • External electrical sockets to be used as charging facilities available for cycle tourers
    • Secure bike locks for customer use
    • Bike wash
    • Drying equipment for drying clothes, rucksacks, panniers, and footwear
    • Clothes washing facilities for visitors
    • Bike maintenance for example repair stations.

    Find out more about this at the SoSE website.

  • How do I apply?

    Please complete this application form to apply.

    You will receive a confirmation of your application within five working days. Your application will be assessed, and decision confirmed within six weeks.

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