Funding boost for Knoydart community bike hub

A community project is under way in Knoydart to improve cycling facilities for visitors and residents.

The Knoydart Foundation is leading the project to refurbish a former generator shed close to the pier and The Old Forge community owned pub.

The organisation secured £12,765 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards the total project costs of £27,500.

The new facility will enable a collaboration between the Foundation and Knoydart E-Bikes to enhance cycling options for both visitors and residents. It will also relocate the ranger service from the Foundation’s office to a more convenient base.

The works include full fabric upgrading of the building, including external décor, the creation of office and display space for the Knoydart community rangers and E-Bike employees, and a workshop and cycle storage area.

The Knoydart Foundation owns the 17,500-acre Knoydart Estate and operates several enterprises including a ranger service offering tours, events, bushcraft classes, camping and cycle hire.

There are already five adult and three children’s mountain bikes available for hire from the Foundation, all recently renewed with funding from Cycling Scotland, plus older bikes gifted to the community. The refurbished building will also act as a base for up to 15 Knoydart E-bikes.

Jennifer MacPherson, development manager with HIE’s Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross team, said:

“This is a great example of a community-led initiative making use of a community-owned asset and collaborating with private business to enhance visitor activities and strengthen the local tourism industry. With around 30,000 people a year visiting Knoydart, the project will enhance the visitor offering, providing a base for general enquiries as well as the ranger service and bike hire from a more convenient location.

“This will help the community become more resilient by boosting its income and supporting an additional part time rural job. It also encourages greener transport locally and contributes to the wider transition to a low carbon region.”

Ranger for the Knoydart Foundation Finlay Greig said:

“By increasing our presence in the village centre we will be able to better inform the thousands of visitors who come to Knoydart every year; whether it be highlighting the services of a local business, recommending a nearby walk or promoting our awesome array of private and public tours.

“Making affordable active travel options easily available to locals and visitors alike is an important goal of the Knoydart Foundation Ranger Service and funding from HIE and Cycling Scotland has allowed us to repurpose a building which previously housed a generator into a transport hub that promotes carbon-free travel.

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors and support locals from our new cycle and information station.”