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7/31/2019 Sustainable Development of Mountain Biking in Scotland: A National Strategic Framework
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T H E S U S TA I NA
B L E
D E V E L O P M E N T O F M
O U N TA I N
B I K I N G I N S C O
T LA N D
A NA T I O NA L
S T RA T E G I C F
RA M E W O R K
7/31/2019 Sustainable Development of Mountain Biking in Scotland: A National Strategic Framework
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Contents
Contents 1
Execut ive Summ ary 2
Int roduct ion 3
Our Vision 8
Key Object ives 9
The Present Posit ion 1 1
Issues and Opportunit ies 1 3
Guiding Principles 1 4
M aking it Happen 1 7
A Framework for Act ion 2 1
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Execut ive Summar y
This Strategic Framework has been produced by the public and voluntary
agencies with an interest in mountain biking in Scotland to ensure that the
country continues to t ake full advantage of the growt h in the activity of
mountain biking.
The agencies involved directly are the Convent ion of Scott ish Local
Aut horit ies, Cycling Scotland, the Cyclists Touring Club, EventScotland,
Forestry Comm ission Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise,
Internation al M ount ain Biking Association U K, Scott ish Cycling, Scott ish
Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage, sportscotland and VisitScotland.
Additionally, the development of the Framework has involved extensive
consultation across all those involved in the activit y, as participant s,
in relevant bu sinesses and t hose with an int erest in seeing t he
activity flourish.
M ountain biking contributes a vast am ount t o Scotland in terms ofincreased numbers of visitors, improving health through increased
participation, promoting Scotland’s image overseas through the staging
of wor ld class events and finally, b y allowing Scots t o achieve the h ighest
standards in international comp etit ion.
Scotland already has a great stor y to tell, as it is recognised as one of t he
best destinations in the world for mountain biking and the increasing
numb ers of visitors is testament to t hat.
This framework aims to build on that success and it s targets are:
• To increase mountain biking visitor numbers by a further 50% over thenext 5 years
• To increase domestic participation in mountain biking by 25% over the
same period
• To assist Scots to win at least 5 med als in Wo rld or
Commonwealth competit ions
To achieve this, the Framework will create the Scott ish M ount ain Bike
Development Consortium (SMBDC) to act as an overarching coordinating
body to enable close working partnerships between and among the
agencies involved. Those agencies with the ability to fund developmentsdirectly, plan to enable Scottish Cycling to facilitate the work of
the SMBDC.
In addition to t he SM BDC, the Framework intends to encourage the
creation of local mountain bike development Clusters throughout Scotland
to promote and assist local development. These Clusters will involve the
local authorit ies, local representatives of th e national agencies, clubs and
local b usinesses.
All the activities proposed within the Framework will be carried out in as
sustainable a fashion as possible.
Finally, the Framework proposes careful monitoring and evaluation to
ensure that the impact is clearly assessed and that the implementation of
the Framework is as effective as possible.
Scotland already has a
great stor y to tell, as it is
recogn ised as one of t he
best destinations in the
world for mountain biking
and the increasingnumbers of visitors is
testament t o that.
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...t here are extensive
opportunities for
mountain biking
throughout Scotland...
In t roduct ion
Over the past 20 years, mountain biking has become established as a
major sport and recreational pursuit in Scotland and the country has
proved that it is a truly world-class venue for the activity. Scotland’s status
was recognised by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA)
which, in 20 05 and 20 06 , declared Scotland as a ‘Global Superstar’.
Scotland’s unique position as a mountain bike destination comes from its
outstanding natural environment and its overall availability of constructed
and natural routes, coupled with some of t he most progressive outdoor
access legislation in t he world .
M ajor trail facilities in Scotland are prod ucing significant economic benefit
for the communities within which they are based, for example, the 7stanes
network in the South of Scotland has generated £9m for the local economy
in the South of Scotland and attracts some 4 0 0, 00 0 visitors per year.
sport scotland’s participation data (2005-2007) suggests that there are
some 12 3,0 00 mountain bikers over the age of 16 and a further 15 ,00 0
15 and under. While these data give no indication of the types of use
people make of their mount ain bike or the extent of their participation,
they do show that the domestic market is of significance.
The UK Tourism Survey shows that trip s in Scotland invo lving m ount ain
biking are 134 ,00 0, with an est imated spend of £ 39 mil lion.
In addition to the purpose-built trail centres, there are extensive
opport unities for mount ain biking throughout Scotland on the network of
natural and informal paths and tracks that already exist.
M ountain biking is a great way to have fun exploring the outd oors for
people of all ages and abilities, as well as providing a m eans for healthy
exercise close to hom e. There is an estimated tot al of 84 ,0 0 0km of paths
and tracks in Scotland (Scottish Paths Record 2 0 02 ) with 2 0, 00 0km
reported as being signposted or waymarked. (Scottish Government,
20 08 ). A further 42 ,00 0km of minor roads contribute to the access of the
off-road facilities, both formal and informal.
Scotland has shown, through the organisation of both the UCI Mountain
Bike World Cup and t he UCI M ount ain Bike & Trials Wor ld Championships,1 UKTS 3 year average figures 200 6 – 20 08
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that it is well placed to deliver world- class events and Scott ish riders are
succeeding at the highest levels of international competition. These events
attract vast crowds of approximately 20 ,00 0 and world-wide TV audiences.
Scotland is also produ cing young cyclists who can win m edals in world
competit ions and there are 3 Scots in the 20 08 Brit ish Cycling Olympic
Development Programm e.
Around 1 1 .8 m ill ion people in the UK own a mountain bike and it is
estimated that 1 .3 mill ion use them regularly to ride off-road. Scotland is
certainly a top destination for m ountain biking. W ith t he expanding levels
of access to a vast resource for mountain biking, the potential for this to
be turned into further economic and sporting success, while also
contributing to the health and physical activity levels of the nation,
is immense. There is an unprecedented opportunity for mountain biking
to offer a unique experience of fun and challenge to everyone in Scotland.
Against this background of progress and success, a group of key national
agencies has come together to plan how best to sustain and growmountain biking in Scotland in a way which provides optimum and
quantifiable returns in terms of the health of the nation, economic and
tourism d evelopment and also in t erms of sporting p articipation and
success. This has been seen by the agencies as a unique o ppor tun ity t o
build on a fantastic Scottish success story.
This Strategic Framework will promote partnership working amongst key
stakeholders at bot h nation al and local levels and provide a real focus for
coordinated future development. The aim is to encourage better
coordination and cooperation and also to support innovative solutions
which keep Scotland at the forefront of development.
The initial key par tner agencies support ing and developing t his
initiat ive were:
• EventScotland
• Forestry Comm ission Scotland
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Scottish Cycling
• Scott ish Enterpr ise
• Scottish Natural Heritage
• sport scotland• VisitScotland
Following consultation on the draft framework, four further
organisations were invited to join the partners to support the
implementat ion of t he Framework. The following have now
agreed to be involved:
• A representative from The Highland Council, acting as
local government advisor
• Cycling Scotland
• Cyclists Touring Club
• International Mountain Biking Association UK
There is an unprecedented
opportunity for m ountain
biking to offer a unique
experience of fun and
challenge to everyone
in Scotland.
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Engaging StakeholdersThe range of stakeholders in the private, public and voluntary sectors with
an interest in mountain biking is extensive and this was borne out by a
huge attendance at a national consultative conference held in Perth on 29
January 20 08 as part of the work to d evelop this Framework. Over 2 0 0
delegates from all sectors attended and made a very active contribution to
the id entification of t he key issues addressed in t his Framewor k.
Writ ing in M ount ain Bike Rider magazine, Kenny Wilson of IMBA -UK said
of the event, “ Throughout, the energy generated in the room was
amazing…. What came over loud and clear was that passion was afforded
a unique opportunity to shape the future” .
The partners have all agreed that a critical aspect of this Framework must
be harnessing and supporting that huge enthusiasm and energy to make
the most of the opportunities available. It is vital therefore that the
dialogue started at the Perth conference is continued in future.
Additionally, detailed discussions have taken place with the individual
partner agencies and these agencies have worked together to establish the
Framewor k. This work has been suppor ted by Genesis Strat egic
M anagement Consultants.
A consultation draft of the Framework was made widely available during
the summer of 2 00 8 and some 88 5 formal responses were received.
Of t hese responses, 6 7% indicated t hat they t hought not hing had been
omitted from the draft Framework. However, the responses (which will be
commented on in more detail below) also stressed that continuing
engagement of all the relevant organisations and individuals would be
essential to the effective implementation of the Framework. This has been
addressed by the expansion of the number of partner agencies involved,
plans to hold a national conference on a regular basis and proposals to
include rider and business representation on the Scottish Mountain Bike
Development Consortium (SM BDC) which will be the body charged with
the responsibility for implementing the Framework.
What is Mountain Biking?We have debated whether it is possible to define the scope of the activity
and have found that d ifficult t o do b eyond stating that it is concernedprimarily with recreational participation and cycle sport which involves the
use of a mountain bike in an off-road setting. Clearly, the Framework is
concerned with dedicated and constructed trails for all levels of abilities
from black runs for the experts to green runs for novices, families and
young riders, but it is also concerned with natural trails and informal
access to the outdoors for cycling on a mountain bike for people of all ages
and abilities. It is concerned with the sporting aspects of the activity and
especially seeking t o have Scots succeed at world level, but it is also
concerned with encouraging wider participation in more recreational
mount ain biking. It is concerned with att racting tourists to enjoy the
spectacular scenery of Scotland, but it is also concerned with mountain
bike facility development and opportunities closer to where people live.
... a unique opportunity
to shape the future ...
for cycling on a mountain
bike for people of all
ages and abilities.
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In short therefore, we have taken the view that the Framework should
consider the widest possible range of off-road settings for the recreational
and sport ing use of the m ount ain bike. Mo untain biking is a lifestyle
activity which has captured the imagination of many and is central to
Scotland’s rich and diverse adventure sports culture.
The only areas we believe to be outwith the scope are the use of themount ain bike for util ity pur poses such as comm uting t o work or school.
Nonetheless, there could still be opportunities for integration, especially
where off-road functional routes double as recreational routes or can help
those heading to ot her locations to go mount ain biking to get there
mo re sustainably.
It is important to not e that t he Scottish Government, in part nership with
the cycling bodies and other organisations, set out in 20 08 to d evelop a
Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS) with t he objective of
increasing participation in all forms of cycling. Extensive consultation has
taken place on the approach to be taken within CAPS and it will bepublished shortly. The Framework is designed to contribute to the
objectives of CAPS in th e specific area of mount ain biking.
The St ructure of t he Framework
Mountain biking is a
lifestyle activity which has
capt ured the imagination
of many and is central to
Scotland’s rich and
diverse adventuresports culture.
Implement ation Plan
Key Objectives
Increased Participat ion - Tourism and Economic Developm ent - Spor t
The Present Position Issues and Opportunities
Making it happen
Leadership - Investment
Framework for Action
Provision - Standards and Liability - M arketing and
Communication - Sports Development - Events - Sustainability
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Our Vision
Our vision is for Scotland to be a world leader in all aspects of
mountain biking including:
• Sport ing p erform ances achieved
• Levels of participation
• Num bers of visitors attracted
• M ajor events staged
• The quality of facilities and opportunities provided.
Our vision is for
Scotland to be a world
leader in all aspects of
mount ain biking.
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Key Ob ject ives
The Framewor k will provid e a clarity of vision for t he activity in Scotland,
which, in turn, will encourage a professional approach coupled with
commitment and cohesive action amongst a wider range of stakeholders.
To do this, the Framework aims to provide clear directions built on a set of
guiding principles indicating how each objective can be delivered in a
coordinated, equitable and sustainable fashion.
The Scottish Government aims to focus Government and public
services on creating a more successful country with opportunities
for all of Scotland t o flour ish through increasing sustainable
economic growth wit h t he following five st rat egic objectives:
• Wealthier and Fairer
• Healthier
• Safer and Stronger
• Smarter
• Greener
EquityAll of the partners recognise that they have both a legal and moral duty to
ensure that t hey actively promote opp ortunities to participate for men and
women, for people of all ethnic origins and for people with a disability.
Effective consultation and monitoring will be central to ensuring that this
is achieved.
Sustainability
In relation to all the objectives, the partners recognise the critical
importance of the sustainability of any actions taken. For example, any
plans for new trail provision will need to demonstrate that they will not
cause significant environmental impact in sensitive areas and that they can
be maintained in the longer term. Sustainability, in environmental, social
and economic terms are underpinning features of the Framework. It is also
crucial that mountain biking facilities and activity are compatible with other
land uses such as agriculture and forestry, with species/habit at, wit h local
communities and also with other recreational pursuits.
In t he context of t hese over-arching object ives for Scotland, t he
partner agencies are committed to promoting mountain biking in
Scotland as an enjoyable activity and ensuring that mountain
biking makes it s optimum contribution t o the key objectives of
this Framework which are:
• Increased participation leading to improved health and well being
• tourism and economic development
•sporting development and success
All of the partners
recognise that they
have both a legal and
moral duty to ensure
that they actively
promot e opportunit ies toparticipate for m en and
women, for people of all
ethnic origins and for
peop le with a disability.
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The pr esent posi t ion
Consultation with stakeholders and a review of various international
perspectives has confirmed the strength of the Scottish position in the
mount ain biking world.
The Positives To Build On
The present provision for mountain biking in Scotland has a
number of very positive factors. These include:
• A worldwide and growing reputation
• Wor ld-class facilities
• Trail provision for all abilities
• International, national and local events of the highest calibre
• Access legislation which facilitates general responsible access to
the outdoors
• A hug e range of natural and informal paths
• The development of Core Path Networks
• Sporting success by Scots, providing good role models
• A positive culture and great enthusiasm for developing the activity at
every level
• Public sector and commercial investment
• Good examples of coordinated inter-agency working
• Experience, knowledge and expertise
• The outstanding attractiveness of Scotland’s great outdoors as a venue
for recreation and adventure sports.
Issues to Address
A range of issues were identif ied by stakeholders at t he Pert h
event as requiring attention, if Scotland’s success is to be
maintained and built on for t he future. These included:
• The affordability o f sustaining tr ail provision
• The lack of revenue streams for those making the main capital
investments
• Concerns about liability and an increasing number of accidents and the
resulting potential for litigation
• Inadequate cooperation amongst the key providers
• Poor communications with enthusiasts
• Gaps in the geographical distribution of trail centres and other
trail provision
• Lack of joined-up developm ents
• Limited buy-in by local businesses
• Limited prom otion and m arketing at certain levels
• Issues with the image of mountain biking as an extreme, macho activity
• The need to avoid environmental damage associated with sensitive
sites and poor planning, design and management of trails
• Poor int egration with land managers and land m anagement
The outstanding
att ractiveness of
Scotland’s great
outdoors as a venue
for recreat ion and
adventure sports.
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• Barriers to entr y including the accessibility of local and especially urban
provision and the costs of transport and bikes
• A perceived lack of coordination at both national and local level,
coupled with a perceived lack of ambition to realise the true potential
of the activity
•Inclusivity of the activity in relation to women, families, children and
lower income groups
• A lack of overall professionalism.
Feedback on the Consultative Draft
The feedback received in response to the consultative draft of t he
Framework confirmed this scope of the assessment of the
posit ives and negat ives of present provision and it identif ied t he
priorit y issues that needed to be tackled. The top three priorities
identif ied by respondents were:
• Access generally and especially access to facilities around towns and
cities which do not require car transport
• Trail management
• Engaging local communities in development
The key barrier s to fut ure development identified were:
• Car dependency because of the lack of cycle-friendly public transport
• The exclusion of lower-income groups because of both cost of bikes
and the location of facilities
• A lack of infor mat ion and awareness on what is available
As has been indicated in the introduction, the respondent s were also
concerned to ensure that the proposed SM BDC was fully representative
of key interest groups and t hat r iders and bu sinesses should also have
a means of continuing to b e involved in the im plementation of the
Framework proposals. Action has already been taken to address
this aspect.
Scotland’s success is to
be m aintained and built
on for the future.
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Issues and Oppor t uni t ies
The consultation with agencies and individuals involved in mountain biking
at every level demonstrated a genuine and widespread enthusiasm for
supporting t he further development of the activity and realising t he
consequential economic, sporting and health benefits.
The present picture, while it has many positive aspects, can best be
described as fragment ed. The core issue at the h eart of any effective
national strategic framework has to b e the prom otion of m ore robust
cooperation across the public, private and voluntary sectors. This means
that there needs to be clear strategic leadership focused on delivering
tangible outcomes which are seen to be of relevance to the key public
sector partners and to the participants. This will help the partners to justify
continued investment over, at least, the initial 3 year lifespan of the
Framework, but also to engage with the wider group of stakeholders who
have an interest in seeing the activity grow further.
In addit ion to t he need for overall coordination, t he major issues
and opport unities to emerge from t he consultat ion included:
• The requirement t o prom ote m ore effective collaborat ive working
amongst partners at every level
• The opportunities presented by Scotland’s Access Legislation and
the development of t he Core Paths Networks
• The need for better communication amongst all the
stakeholders involved
• The identification of gaps in provision of mountain bike facilities and
opportunities locally and regionally to develop sustainable approaches
to filling these gaps
• Removal of some of t he barriers to entr y into t he activity through more
local and improved standards of physical and affordable access
• Use of inclusive imagery and information which clearly dem onstrates
that mountain biking is an activity accessible for all
• Growth in t he knowledge base through more effective market
research and evaluation
• The development of clear adopted standards for trails and
trail construction
• Building o n existing success by m ore extensive marketing of whatScotland has to offer both internally and externally
• The creation of clear pathway structures for participation in mount ain
biking from entry level to the achievement of sporting success .
The core issue at the
heart of any effect ive
national strategic
framework has to be
the promot ion of more
robust cooperation acrossthe p ublic, p rivate and
voluntary sectors.
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Guiding Principles
This Framework presents an implementation plan which aims to
t ackle all of t he issues and oppor tunities ident ified above in a
manner which is:
• coordinated
• equitable
• economically sustainable
• environmentally sustainable
In terms of coordinated planning and delivery, there will need to be
much m ore effective comm unication and partnership working than has
been the case in the past. This will require the full engagement of all
stakeholders with all stakeholders – landowners and m anagers, local
authorities, participants, businesses and the public agencies. With fuller
engagement should come better collaboration leading to the collective
identification and sharing of good practice.
All public bodies, including the partners supporting this Framework,
have legal responsibilities for promoting equality of opportunity in service
delivery, provision of facilities and in setting operational frameworks.
This General Equality Duty with which public bodies must comply
applies to gender, race and disability and specifically requires positive
action to encourage wider participation by people with a disability in
public life. When t he Single Equality Act came into effect, it extended
the equality duty to all six strands of equity – race, disability, gender, age,
sexual orient ation, religion/ belief – as well as providin g incentives for t heprivate sector to improve their performance on equality. We recognise that
there are challenges for mountain biking to address in terms of equality
and mainstreaming equitable practice in development and delivery is a
core guiding principle of the Framework.
In terms of economic sustainability, t here needs to be a clear
understanding of what t he opport unities are and where the economic
benefits will best be realised. The recently published report on the impact
of the 7 stanes init iative shows that around £ 9m is the annual benefit t o
the economy in the south of Scotland. However, most of this benefit does
not accrue directly to the public agencies which have supported, managedor maintained the infrastructural investment, namely Forestry Commission
Scotland, sportscotland, local authorities and the enterprise agencies.
While the latter can justify their investment on the back of such economic
development, it is more difficult for other agencies like Forestry
Commission Scotland, which has no statutory obligations to support
development and reconcile the competing demands for the forest
resources they m anage. Private landowners find t hemselves in a similar
position with securing a return on any investments.
In terms of environmental sustainability , the partners fully recognise,
support and p romote their responsibilit ies for encouraging developm entand access in a way which is consistent with protecting the natural heritage
resource and compliant with The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act
2004, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Scottish Outdoor
We recognise that there
are challenges for
mount ain biking to
address in terms of
equality ... mainstreaming
equitable practice indevelopment and d elivery
is a core guiding principle
of the Framework.
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Access Code. The future development of purpose-built facilities needs to
be planned within the context of natural heritage designations and
environmental impact assessment. The wider promotion of these sites and
routes in the wider countryside must be accompanied by messages about
responsible use.
The partners recognise t hat a number of t heir proposals could
have a pot ential environmental impact but t he Framework has
tried to anticipate these impacts and to link them directly to
relevant mit igating factor s. For example:
• Increased participat ion could lead to increased car use so local
access and improved public transport are proposed
• Development of new facilities could have an environmental
impact so codes of practice will be developed and better
agency coordination established at a local level
• Increased inform al access could lead to localised im pacts and
the existing Scottish Outdoor Access Code will be further
promot ed along with a code for rider behaviour
... promotion of sites
and routes in the
wider countr yside
must be accompanied
by messages about
responsible use.
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M aking i t happen
LeadershipThe partners gave particular attention to how this initiative might be led
and considered, for example, whether a new freestanding organisation
might be created to give real impetus to the activity. Equally, they
considered whether any of them might take the lead role. The conclusions
from these discussions indicated that there should not be a new
freestanding body because that would only add another layer of complexity
to the governance and support of cycling within Scotland.
It was agreed that, ideally, the Strategic Framework should be driven
forward by a group established within cycling but that the group should
facilitate the active participation by all the key partners. On further
reflection, and recognising that Scottish Cycling’s position as a
membership body concerned with a wider range of disciplines other than
mountain biking, it was agreed to reconstitute the existing Steering Group
for the development of the Strategic Framework into the Scottish
M ountain Bike Development Consort ium (SM BDC) . It was recognised
also that Scottish Cycling, as the governing body, had the central role to
play in servicing the consortium. The main role of the SMBDC will be to
provide overarching co-ordination and leadership for the sector, to enable
all the partner agencies to make their most effective contributions. It will
not replace the important roles played individually by the partners.
Before addressing the det ailed act ions proposed within this
Strategic Framework, it is important to consider two major and
over arching questions:
• How do we propose this ongoing and any new work should be led?
• How can the required capital and revenue investment be achieved?
The SM BDC would, at least initially, continu e to be an inform al grouping
constituted by a memorandum of understanding amongst the key partners.
There would be the ability to develop it into a more formal organisation at
a later stage if required. Following feedback on the consultative draft, it
was agreed to expand the membership to include, the Convention of Scottish
Local Auth orities, Cycling Scotland, the Cyclists Touring Club and the
International Mountain Biking Association UK.
It was agreed also to add representatives for the business community and
riders, initially on a co-opted basis but thereafter by election at the
biennial National Mountain Bike Conference.
The partners have recognised in particular the multi-faceted role local
authorities can play in supporting the activity. Not only do they have key
responsibilities for roads and transportation, countryside access and
especially for t he Core Paths Plan, but they also have int erests in
expanding participation t hrough t heir sports development functions and in
expanding tourist numbers through their involvement in economicdevelopment functions. All this means that critical links need to be made
between this strategic framework and Community Planning Partnerships
and Single Outcome Agreements if the contribution of local authorities is
to be optimised in leading the implementation at a local level.
... t he contribution of
local authorit ies is to
be optimised in leading
the implementation at
a local level.
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... a new approach in t he
form of Development
Clusters for M ount ain
Biking where priorities
would be established by
local consortia.
InvestmentThe partners have recognised that there will need to be core funding
provided to establish the SMBDC and to support t he appointment of staff
within Scott ish Cycling t o service this initiative. The m echanisms for
providing funding, the extent to which partners will be able to provide that
support and the objectives for providing t he funding will vary from agency
to agency. Nonetheless, it has been agreed that developing a core support
plan will be an integral part of the initial implementation stages of
the Framework.
The majority of the capital funding provided to date for p urpose-built
facility development has been opportunistic and reactive. Whether on
public or private land, the investment has largely derived from the public
purse in various guises. Partners with the ability to invest in facility
development and those who have already comm itted m ajor sums are
under pressure from all quarters to support further new projects.
This strategic framework proposes a new approach in the form ofDevelopment Clust ers for M ountain Biking where priorities would be
established b y local consortia. The Framework f or Action which follows
describes these Development Clusters in more detail. The Development
Clusters are designed to provide local focus and cooperation and would be
supported by the m ore general prom otion of wider access networks
providing opport unities for mount ain biking. It is not the intention that
Development Clusters would preclude other developments that boost
growth and equity across other parts of Scotland.
Partners like Forestry Comm ission Scotland are un der stron g extern al
pressure to continue to invest in the development of new facilities and, ashas been explained above, the majority of the economic benefit is returned
to the private sector. The scope for the Commission, in common with other
land managers, to raise revenue directly from mountain biking is severely
limit ed because of the lim itation s on charging for access. How ever, t here is
some scope for the landowners and managers to charge for ancillary
aspects like car parking and t o seek to raise revenue from an increasing
number of leases to commercial operators for support facilities like cafes,
bike shops and perhaps even dedicated bike parks in the future. It is
extremely unlikely that land managers will ever generate surplus revenue
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1 9
from m ountain biking but t hey should be able, through improved recovery
from charges and levies, to raise a significant contribution to fund ongoing
maintenance of dedicated trails at the major purpose built centres.
Car park charges at som e Forestr y Comm ission sites in England are already
between £5 and £ 8 per day. There is a growing recognition amongst the
mount ain bike comm unity that they need to m ake a financial contribution ifquality trail centres are to be maintained. However, such entry charges can
be a barrier to lower income groups and the SMBDC should consider
alternative models to understand the cost implications for different groups
and how prohibitive charging can be overcome or offset. The feedback on
the consultative draft raised the aspect of lower income groups as a
significant concern.
Forestry Commission Scotland has confirmed that it will continue to
manage and maintain existing facilities on the national forest estate. It will
also continue to offer open access for mountain bikers in line with the
Scottish Outdoor Access Code. It is unlikely that the Commission will beable to in vest furth er in t echnical and specialist t rails in future. H owever,
the Commission will continue to invest in supporting infrastructure,
business development and multi-user trails.
The Commission has indicated that developers on the national forest estate
will need to meet specific standards in terms of planning, design,
construction and management (including the provision of insurance to
cover liabilities). They will also need to demonstrate clearly that there is
sufficient evidence to show that the b usiness and hence the facilities will be
sustained and/or decommissioned if they become unsustainable over time.
A key issue for the SM BDC is to ensure that accessibility and inclusiveness
are a core part of any standards developed, and that they are informed by
existing g ood p ractice in m ountain biking and ot her facility development,
and consultation wit h advisory partners and g roups.
It is anticipated that the restructured enterprise agencies may still be able
to invest in mountain biking where there is a clear tourism and economic
developm ent r ationale. Equally, sportscotland m ay be able to assist where
facilities are being developed which fit within the parameters of the
Scottish Cycling Facilities Strategy and meet sport scotland’s other
assessment criteria .To date, local authorities have provided only limited investment into
site-based p urpose-built facilit ies and programm es but it is hoped that this
Framework will encourage more interest in mountain biking and also
greater use of the activity within programmes like the Active
Schools Programm e.
Local authorities are playing a crucial role in the development and
implementation of Outdoor Access Strategies and Core Paths Plans, which
will provide for mountain biking. There is the potential for local authorities
to attract funding for the development of access infrastructure and for
information to promot e use by mountain bikers from t he local area or
further afield.
... accessibility and
inclusiveness are a core
part of any standards
developed ... informed
by existing good practice
in mountain biking andother facility development,
and consultation with
advisory p artners
and group s.
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2 1
A f r amework f or act ion
This section of th e strategic fram ework seeks to ident ify a series of clear
areas for action that will deliver the objectives and address both the
priorities of the partners and the interests of local participants and visitors
alike. Leadership of the d elivery of the actions will be vested in the SMBD C
as described previously.
PROVISIONAs already explained, t here is considerable pressure from local enthusiasts,
businesses and other organisations to expand greatly the level of trail
provision for mountain biking in Scotland. While the enthusiasm which this
represents is certainly welcom e, ad hoc development will not enhance
Scotland’s position in mountain biking and might well result in the limited
resources available for investm ent b eing spread to o t hinly. N onetheless,
there is an important role for local enthusiasts and businesses to workalongside local authorities and the statutory agencies. Effective
coordination at a local level is a core action within this Framework.
National and Regional FacilitiesScott ish Cycling h as been developing a national Facilities Strat egy t o
deliver the needs of all disciplines within the sport of cycling and the
mountain biking part of that strategy is seen as an integral part of this
Framework. The Scottish Cycling Facilities Strategy identifies Glentress and
Nevis Range as existing national venues within Scotland and propo ses the
establishment of two further national trail centres, one in west central
Scotland and one in t he Grampian area.
The Perth Conference also suggested t hat t he provision of long distance
and iconic mountain bike routes should be investigated.
The Facilities strategy proposes the recognition of further existing trail
centres as being of regional significance. It is proposed that both of these
levels of provision be developed within the concept of the
Development Clusters.
Development ClustersThe 7stanes initiative has highlighted the value of adopting a structured
approach towards the development and promotion of a series of trail
centres which can provide critical mass within a region or locality. 7stanes
serves as an examp le of a developm ent cluster.
The basic idea of the Development Cluster concept is to identify fairly
broad geographical areas with the greatest potential to safeguard and
improve existing provision and, if appropriate, to identify development
opportunities to deliver the future needs of mountain biking and realise the
optim um economic returns in terms of visitor numbers. The concept isbased on cluster theory used in economic development which aims to
create critical mass by bringing together as many partners as possible
within a defined area to create the m aximum im pact.
The basic idea of the
Development Cluster
concept is to identify
fairly broad geographical
areas with the greatest
potential to safeguard andimprove existing provision
... to identify development
oppo rtunities to deliver
the future needs of
mountain biking and
realise the optimum
economic returns interm s of visitor num bers.
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CA S E S T U D Y: 7 s t a ne s
T he 7 s t a ne s p ro je c t wa s i n i t ia t e d i n 2 0 01 a n d t he v i s io n fo r p ha se 2 o f t he p ro je c t ha s bee n t o:
“ M a i n ta i n a n d d
e ve l o p t he S o u t h
o f S c o t la n d a s a w
o r l d - c la s s m o u n ta
i n b i k i n g de s t i na t
i o n;
s u p p o r t i n g t o u r i s
m a n d r u ra l b u s i n
e s s de ve l o p me n t
a n d b r i n g i n g hea
l t h, wea l t h a n d e
n j o y me n t i n t o
t he na t u ra l e n v i r o
n me n t ” .
T he P r o je c t u t i l i se s 7 F o re s t r y C o
m m i s s i o n S c o t la n d
s i t e s a c r o s s t he S
o u t h o f S c o t la n d a
n d ha s bee n
f u n de d b y a ge n c ie
s a n d o r ga n i sa t i o n s a c r o s s D
u m f r ie s & Ga l l o wa
y a n d S c o t t i s h B o
r de r s.
T he p ha se 2 e va l ua t io n o f t he 7 s t a ne s p ro je c t ca r r ie d o u t b y E K O S a n d t he To u r i s m Re so u r ce s
Co m pa n y fo u n d t ha t t he ke y i m pa c t s a c ro s s t he 2 p ha se s o f t he p ro je c t ca n be s u m ma r i se d a s
fo l lo w s:
• J u s t u n de r 4 0 0 , 0
0 0 v i s i t o r s pe r ye
a r
• A la r ge n o n - l o ca l
ma r ke t a t 8 0 %
• I n c rea s i n g q ua l i t y
ra t i n g s f o r t he t r
a i l s
• Ne t a d d i t i o na l i m
pa c t s o f £ 9 . 2 9 m
i n t he S o u t h o f S c
o t la n d
I n a d d i t i o n, t he re ha s bee n i n c rea
se d l o ca l t o u r i s m
b u s i ne s s i n v o l ve m
e n t , t h r o u g h t he
7 s ta ne s b u s i ne s s
de ve l o p me n t pa c k
, t he c rea t i o n o f 2
m o u n ta i n b i ke b u s i ne s s ne t w
o r k s a n d a c o m m
e r c ia l b u s i ne s s we
b p o r ta l.
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2 3
Each Development Cluster would be led by a local consortium including
the local authorities, Forestry Commission Scotland, other statutory
agencies, local landow ners, local businesses and local part icipants and
clubs. To prom ote consultat ion on d isability access within t he Cluster area
there should be representation fro m the local Access Panel of the Scott ish
Disability Equality Forum (SDEF).
The consortium would be responsible for creating a Development
Plan for t heir area t o build on current p rovision. This Framework
does not seek to specify all the aspects of a Development Cluster
because they will only work effectively if t hey reflect and suppor t
local init iative and commitment . The following list of f eatures are
suggested for guidance:
• A Cluster development plan identifying key local actions and sources of
funding and support, in line with the implementation plan for
the Framework
• An assessment of the potential for local provision and widening
of p articipation
• Identified networks of routes suitable for off-road cycling which require
minimum management and are, or could be, way-m arked and can
be promoted
• Cycle-friendly connections which link the purpose-built and promoted
facilities and t he wider access network
• Coordinated marketing including the preparation of specific materials
including maps to promote the Cluster, in line with SMBDC guidance
• Arrangements in place to enable businesses to work together to
enhance the commercial returns from the activity in the area
• Responsibility for ensuring that new developments are sustainable and
established to appropriate standards, in line with SMBDC guidance
• Local competitions, events, training and club development
Initially, it is proposed t hat t here be five Development Clusters
established and that these should cover:
• South of Scotland
• West Central Scotland
• Perthshire/Angus/Fife
• The Highlands
• The North East and Deeside
It is impor tant t o note that it is not intended that each of these
Development Clusters should be identical and that it is not envisaged that
they will be established simultaneously. Their nature will be determined by
local interest and the range of local stakeholders, the geography and
especially the scope of th e landscape to absorb activity in a
sustainable fashion.
It will be useful too for the Clusters to be linked into the network of
Scott ish Cycling’ s Regional D evelopment Coaches.
Respondents to the consultative draft questioned the scope of the
To promote consultation
on disability access within
the Cluster area there
should be representation
from the local Access
Panel of the ScottishDisability Equalit y
Forum (SDEF).
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Local authorit ies are
using cycling as an
activity within their Active
Schools Programme and
this Framework seeks
to encourage localauthorities to look more
closely at how t hey could
enhance the accessibility
of the activity.
individual Clusters. While the SMBDC will take the initiative to enable the
development of the Clusters and provide initial support, it is recognised
that each Cluster is geographically diverse and the number of development
plans and the membership format will vary between Clusters. The Clusters
will feedback into the SMBDC through the project manager.
AccessibilityConsiderable concern has been expressed in t he initial consultation
exercise and in the comments on the consultative draft about the need for
this Framework t o add ress the issues of social inclusion and barr iers to
accessing m ount ain biking in its widest sense. Barriers can t ake many
forms, not just physical, and they will be specific to individuals and/or
groups of people. There is a danger of making assumptions about what
constitutes a barrier and how important various barriers are in a particular
context in the absence of evidence and consultation. Because of cultural
and social diversity, peop le’s needs differ, and in order to provide equ alityof access, an unequal distr ibut ion of effort and resources is often
necessary. This is a fundam ental pr inciple of equity; t hat p eople are treated
according to their needs, which does not mean that everybody is treated
the same. This needs-based approach is particularly relevant to accessibility.
The Development Clusters appro ach should encourage a m ore focussed
assessment of access issues and the opportunity to draw on local knowledge
and r esources in im proving access.
There are many good practice examp les of enhancing accessibility and
increasing participation, as illustrated by the Bannerman High School and
Cumb ernauld case studies which follow.
Local authorit ies are using cycling as an activity within their A ctive Schools
Programme and this Framework seeks to encourage local authorities to
look more closely at how they could enhance the accessibility of
the activity.
Local authorities should consider the construction and signposting of paths
designed with mount ain bikers in mind. In appropriate locations, t hey
should consider holding supplies of bikes and appropriate safety
equipment, to encourage schools to use the facilities. Public transport
providers should be encouraged to make provision for bikes between themain urban areas and purpose-built trail centres.
M uch of this type of activit y is currently planned wit hin the context o f local
author ities’ O utd oor Access Strat egies and Core Paths Plans. Local Access
Forums also have a role to play in advising on the development of
provision specifically for mountain bikers, and there needs to be
coordination between authorities’ access, health and education teams.
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CA S E S T U D Y – M o u n t a i n B i k i n g P E P ro je c t i n C u m be r na u l d
F o re s t r y C o m m i s s
i o n S c o t la n d i n p
a r t ne r s h i p w i t h C y
c l i n g S c o t la n d, S c
o t t i s h W i l d l i fe T r u
s t ( S W T ) a n d
A b r o n h i l l H i g h S c
h o o l ha ve de ve l o
pe d a n i n n o va t i ve
S c h o o l M o u n ta i n B
i ke p r o je c t i n N o r
t h La na r k s h i re.
T he a i m i s t o e n c
o u ra ge p u p i l s t o p
a r t i c i pa te i n m o u
n ta i n b i k i n g i n a w
o o d la n d se t t i n g a
s pa r t o f se c o n da
r y
s c h o o l P E a n d a f te r s c h o o l s
p r o g ra m me a n d t
o b r oa de n t he c o n
te n t o f w ha t i s o n
o f fe r t o p u p i l s i n
s c h o o l s.
T he p r o je c t wa s p
i l o te d i n 2 0 0 7 a n d ma i n s t rea me d
i n 2 0 0 8 a n d ha s
bee n s u c ce s s f u l
i n o f fe r i n g m o u n ta
i n
b i k i n g a s pa r t o f c
o re P E le s s o n s, w
i t h i n a w o o d la n d
e n v i r o n me n t . A p r o g re s s i ve m
o u n ta i n b i k i n g p r o
g ra m
i s n o w o f fe re d a s
a n e le c t i ve i n p h
y s i ca l e d u ca t i o n f
o r p u p i l s f r o m S 3
u p wa r d . T he re ha s bee n e x
ce l le n t
u p ta ke a n d e n t h u
s ia s m f r o m p u p i l s
a s i t wa s see n a s
o ne t he m o s t e x c
i t i n g a c t i v i t ie s o n
o f fe r. T he p u p i l s
ha ve i m p r o ve d t h
e i r b i ke ha n d l i n g s
k i l l s a n d c o n f i de n
ce i n d i f fe re n t t e r
ra i n a n d e n v i r o n m
e n t s.
I n pa r t i c u la r t he
o l de r g i r l s w i t h i n
t he s c h o o l ha ve s
ee n t h i s a s a n a p
pea l i n g p h y s i ca l a
c t i v i t y o p t i o n
c o m pa re d t o t he
m o re t ra d i t i o na l c
h o i ce s a va i la b le. T
he p r o je c t l i n k s i n
t o a ne w u r ba n m
o u n ta i n b i ke t ra i l
a n d s k i l l s l o o p c o n
s t r u c te d o n S W T
la n d i n C u m be r na
u l d G le n a s pa r t o
f t he W o o d la n d s
i n a n d A r o u n d
T o w n ( W IA T ) s
c he me. T he u r ba n
m o u n t a i n b i ke t r
a i l a l s o p r o v i de s a
n o p p o r t u n i t y f o r
t he p u p i l s t o c o n
t i n ue
be i n g a c t i ve a n d de ve l o p t he
i r s k i l l s o u t w i t h s c
h o o l.
B i ke s a n d re le va n t
e q u i p me n t we re i
de n t i f ie d a n d p u r c ha se d w i t h f u n d i n
g f r o m F o re s t r y C o
m m i s s i o n S c o t la n d
,
w i t h a b i ke s t o ra g
e c o n ta i ne r a n d b
e s p o ke t ra i n i n g f o
r t he P E tea c he r s p r o v i de d b y
C y c l i n g S c o t la n d
.
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2 7
Other Local InitiativesIn an activity like mountain biking, it is inevitable that local enthusiasts will
come up with new ideas and proposals for developments on a regular
basis. Indeed, groups of individual mountain bikers sometimes simply seek
out and build their own routes and structures, often, but not exclusively,
on the national forest estate, with or without permission of the local
landowner or manager.
It is not the purpose of this Framework to curtail local initiative, but instead
its purpose is to encourage a better understanding within t he mount ain
biking community of the responsibilities and liabilities which come with the
development of local trails and to foster a culture of collaborative working.
Equally, it is important to share a better understanding of the responsibilities
of both the landowner/manager and those who choose to undertake a DIY
approach to meeting their aspirations.
There are limits on public funding for both capital and revenue support for
such initiatives and the aim of the Development Clusters is to enable thepublic agencies to prioritise their investment in areas that will produce the
best returns in term s of health, sporting and economic development.
This need not rule out developments in other areas but it may mean,
as happens in other parts of the world, that the volunteers in these areas
have to take a greater degree of responsibility for both the development
and sustainability of t he local facilities they wish to see develop.
The Framework recommends, therefore, the creation of a Code of
Practice for the development of facilities by local enthusiasts together
with the development and adoption of recognised standards for trails
and structures, their planning, design, construction, maintenance
and management.
It is also recommended that local enthusiasts constitute themselves as a
proper group and become affiliated to the governing body. This will help
them to access support, expertise and other benefits.
...encourage a bet ter
understanding within
the mountain biking
comm unity of the
responsibilities and
liabilities which comewith the development
of local trails.
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STANDARDS AND LIABILITY
M oving Forward Towards Professional Solut ionsThe Forestry Comm ission across Great Brit ain has, as part of a wider forest
recreation review, recognised the need to develop proper standards for
mountain bike facilities and their management on the national forest
estate. Comprehensive advice and guidance is being developed for their
managers and this material could have wider applicability and will be freely
available to others with relevant interests. It is intended that the standards
derived from this work will be implemented with support from a training
package across the facilities managed by the Com mission and also by
others on the national forest estate.
Trail GradingsAs part of its review, a considerable amount of work has been done by the
Forestry Commission to establish a trail grading system and this has beenbroadly accepted by all interested p arties. However, concerns have been
expressed about the extent and consistency of the application of the
grading s. Also, the n eeds of people with a disability are still to be assessed
and incorporated into t he grading system.
The Framework recommends that once the grading system has been
agreed, SMBDC is responsible for the promotion and encouragement of
a consistent application of the gradings system across the country and for
the formal recognition of nationally graded trails.
Trail ConstructionThere is a considerable amo unt of expertise in t rail building in Scotland and
this is likely to be an area for further business development. Forestry
Comm ission GB is developing specifications and gu idance for its own staff
and activity on the national forest estate.
It has been suggested t hat an organisation like the SM BDC could t ake
responsibility for the further development of trail construction standards
and that agreed national trail construction standards would further
enhance Scotland’s image around the world. This could be further
supported through the establishment of a trail designers and buildersassociation, the development of proper training and the advent of an
accreditation scheme.
Issues of pub lic liability h ave been identified as being of m ajor concern
especially to landowners who have provided, and are responsible for the
managem ent o f, purp ose-built facilities. There are also liability issues
connected with self-build trails and their responsible construction
and management.
The lack of trail management and maintenance and the provision of
misleading marketing material, signage or waymarking also have the
Issues of public liability
have been identified as
being of m ajor concern .. .
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2 9
pot ential to cause prob lems. This may especially be the case when there
are multiple landowners or users involved.
The SM BDC recognises that addressing the legal imp lications of landowner
liability is a fundamental area which will require further work. It is
import ant t o note however t hat t he courts have generally accepted t hat
(informal) sport and physical recreation and even children’s play involvesrisks; indeed without a degree of risk, the value and challenge of these
activities are reduced. The Scott ish Out door Access Code emp hasises the
need for people to take responsibility for their own actions. The Code is
clear that access rights do not alter the nature of the liability owed by a
land manager.
One way of controlling the risk and enhancing the safety and enjoyment of
mount ain biking is for group activity to be facilitated by qualif ied m ountain
bike leaders. This is an approach favoured by Forestr y Comm ission
Scotland on its sites. Anyone operating under conditions of license is
required to have such a qualification because mountain biking is alicensable activity (Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 2004).
The way ahead will include increasing awareness of the need for investm ent
in standards, their consistent application and professionalism in all aspects
of management, facilities, activities and events.
The Scottish Outdoor
Access Code emphasises
the need for people to
take responsibility for
their own actions.
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3 0
M ARKETING AND COM M UNICATION
Building on Marketing SuccessA considerable amount of excellent work has been done on both a national
and local basis to promote Scotland’s mountain biking assets and we
recommend that this should be continued and expanded, especially in the
context of the proposed Development Clusters. A balance needs to be
struck between marketing to visitors to Scotland and the provision of
information to participants and potential participants resident in Scotland.
The latter is seen as an area in need of further attention if the objectives of
increasing participation of underrepresented groups and raising physical
activity levels are to b e realised.
The partners and a number of t hose consulted have commented that t he
level of market knowledge and research needs to be improved to underpin
any further marketing activity, including the use of inclusive imagery and
accessibility of information to a wider audience.
The highly-regarded Scottish Mountain Biking Guide published by
VisitScotland in collaboration w ith Forestry Com mission Scotland p rovides
good information on dedicated trail centres and related facilities.
However, the g uide provides very limited prom otion of t he opportun ities
available to mountain bikers to access the wider countryside throughout
Scotland. SMBDC should be involved in the production of future guides
to widen the scope and accessibility of the content.
There may be the need in future to consider what should become the
website and web forum of choice for the m ountain bike community
in Scotland .
A balance needs to be
struck between m arketing
to visitors to Scotland
and the provision of
information to participants
and pot ential participantsresident in Scotland.
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C AS E S T U D Y : H i g hl and s and M o r ay
B us i ne s s D e v e l o p me nt P ac k T h e r e i s a w i d e r an g e o f m o u n t ai n b i k
e t r ai l s an d w i l d e r n e s s m o u n t ai n b i k i n g av ai l ab l e i n t h e H i g h l an d s an d
M o r ay , i n c l u d i n g F o r e s t r y C o m m i s s i o n S c o t l an d s i t e s p l u s Ab r i ac h an an d H i g h l an d W i l d c at at Go l s p i e , an d a
g r o w i n g n u m b e r o f e v e n t s ac r o s s t h e ar e a ( n o t ab l y t h e s u c c e s s f u l W o r l d C u p s t ag e s an d W o r l d
C h am p i o n s h i p s at F o r t W i l l i am ) .F o l l o w i n g o n f r o m t h e l au n c h o f a w e b p o r t al w h i c h ai m e d t o h i g h l i g h t t h e o p t i o n s av ai l ab l e t o v i s i t o r s an d i n
an e f f o r t t o e n s u r e l o c al b u s i n e s s e s c o u l d u n d e r s t an d t h e o p p o r t u n i t i e s w i t h i n m o u n t ai n b i k i n g , a t o u r i s m
i n n o v at i o n d ay w as h e l d ( o r g an i s e d b y H I E , as p ar t o f t h e F o r e s t T o u r i s m I n i t i at i v e ) , i n w h i c h 3 8 p r i v at e
b u s i n e s s e s p ar t i c i p at e d . D i r e c t l y g e n e r at e d f r o m t h i s d ay w as a g u i d e t o t h e n o n -w ay m ar k e d t r ai l s ar o u n d F o r t W i l l i am . I n ad d i t i o n ,
a b u s i n e s s d e v e l o p m e n t p ac k w as l au n c h e d , f e at u r i n g c as e s t u d i e s f r o m t h e H i g h l an d s an d t h e 7 s t an e s ar e a,
al o n g w i t h d e v e l o p m e n t an d m ar k e t i n g t i p s o n m ax i m i s i n g t h e m o u n t ai n b i k e m ar k e t .
© Simon Harr y, Abri achan Forest Trust
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Further work needs to
be done to promote all
aspects of mountain
biking t o a wider
audience, especially
women, young peopleand families.
3 2
Improving CommunicationsThe enthusiasm and range of those involved in mountain biking was
especially evident at the National Consultative Seminar in Perth that was a
vital part of t he development of this framework. Feedback from the
conference suggests that the event w as valued highly, especially as it
allowed a dialogue between and among agencies and participants. It is
prop osed therefore that a Scott ish National M ount ain Bike Conference
becomes a biennial event to capture and channel the energy and
enthusiasm of the whole m ountain bike comm unity.
ImageImages of mountain biking, certainly in Scotland, tend to convey a sense of
challenge and adventure within scenic and dramatic surroundings. While
these images are being used to good effect in attracting local participants
and visitors alike, there are other dimensions of the activity that alternative
imagery can promote.
The current m ale dominance within t he sport is being perpetuated b y
images of young males in extreme action poses, portraying mountain
biking as an activity of extreme technical challenge and risk taking.
Further work needs to be done to promote all aspects of mountain biking
to a wider audience, especially women, young people and families. This will
mean balancing the exposure of the extreme end of the sport with
promot ing the opport unities for fun and enjoyment t o a wide diversity of
participants. One way to promote the use of inclusive imagery is for
partners to issue guidance to their marketing and media personnel and
contacts. Influencing local and national press is important in this context toachieve a better balance in reporting, especially in the sports pages.
There is also t he need t o convey m essages about t aking responsibility for
yourself, respecting the needs of others and caring for the environment -
the three key messages of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
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3 3
SPORTS DEVELOPM ENT
Compet it ive Perfor manceScots are now winning medals in world level mountain biking competitions
and, with the expansion and development of facilities and the structures
Scott ish Cycling is put ting in place, furt her success is predicted.
What is required is a very clear performance-development plan for
mountain biking to be developed by Scottish Cycling in conjunction with
sport scotland. British Cycling has overall responsibility for international
competition where Scots may be included in GB teams, the Commonwealth
Games being the only international event where a Scottish team is
represented. However, individuals with sufficient UCI points or juniors
selected by GB can compete at UCI World Cup Level at both Cross Country
and Downhill. Recent success has shown the strength of home grown
talent and with Glasgow 2 01 4 on t he horizon a Scottish performance plan
is essential if young Scots are to succeed at the h ighest level. This is
illustrated by the case study which follows.
PathwaysThe concept of pathways in sports development is not limited purely to
the achievement of sport ing success. There needs to b e effective pat hways
into the activity of mountain biking and for personal skills development
which allow participants to discover and develop their own sporting
experience. Sporting pathways are about creating opportunities for people
to participate in sport at any level and whatever their personal motivation
and goals are. Events, coaching and facilities will all contribute to thisand Scottish Cycling will produce a development pathway as part
of this Framework.
Coaching and Leadership
A vital component of sports d evelopment is ensuring t hat t here are
sufficient coaches and leaders within the sport to support the development
of both participation and performance.
The Strat egic Plan for Scott ish Cycling cont ains a framework for the
delivery of coach education mapped out to 2014.
The Scott ish M ount ain Bike Leaders Award has made a significant
contribution t o t his area and the Framework recomm ends further support
for the expansion of this scheme in order to exploit the potential of the
award in Scotland, within the UK, and indeed to expand into Europe where
it is highly regarded. Leadership provides another dimension to facilitating
an experience of mountain biking which coaching alone will not match in
terms of numbers and scope of activity.
Spor ting pathways are
about creating
opportunities for
people to p articipate in
sport at any level and
whatever their personalmotivation and g oals.
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CA S E S T U D Y: S co t t i s h Do w n h i l l S q ua d
I n 2 0 0 7 S c o t t i s h
C y c l i n g f o r me d a
pa r t ne r s h i p w i t h
t he W i n n i n g S c o t l
a n d F o u n da t i o n t o
p r o v i de c oa c h i n g
,
t ra i n i n g a
n d me c ha n i ca l s u
p p o r t t o R ua r i d h
C u n n i n g ha m a n d
C h r i s H u t c he n s f o
r ea c h r o u n d o f t h
e U C I
D o w n h i l l W o r l d C u p Se r ie s w i t h
t he u l t i ma te a i m o
f se c u r i n g a p o d i
u m s l o t a t t he U C I
M o u n ta i n B i ke a
n d T r ia l s
W o r l d C ha m p i o n s
h i p i n F o r t W i l l ia m ( 2 0 0 7 ) . R
ua r i d h s u b se q ue n
t l y we n t o n t o be
c o me t he f i r s t B r i t
i s h ma le t o
w i n a G o l d M o u n
ta i n B i ke me da l a
s J u n i o r D o w n h i l l
W o r l d C ha m p i o n. C h r i s H
u t c he n s wa s 9 t h.
T he p o t e n t ia l
o f S c o t t i s h r i de r s w
a s f u r t he r de m o n
s t ra te d b y b o t h C
h r i s H u t c he n s a n d
R ua r i d h C u n n i n g ha m ha v i n g b
ee n
p r o m o t e d d i re c t l y
t o t he E l i te ca t e g
o r y, a n i n v i ta t i o na
l ca te g o r y f o r r i de
r s o f se n i o r a ge, f
o r t he 2 0 0 8 W o r l d
C u p se r ie s.
T o a t t e m p t t o me
e t t h i s p o t e n t ia l, le
ga c y f u n d i n g f r o m
t he W i n n i n g S c o
t la n d F o u n da t i o n
ha s s u p p o r t e d t he
i n i t ia l se t - u p o f a
D o w n h i l l Ta le n t Te
a m. T he s q ua d o f
s i x (5 ma le a n d 1
fe ma le ) r i de r s, a l
l 1 6 yea r s a n d u n
de r
re ce i ve c oa c h i n g,
e d u ca t i o n a n d me
n t o r i n g t h r o u g h a
se r ie s o f s q ua d t r
a i n i n g ca m p s a n d
pe r s o na l c oa c h i n
g.
T he s q ua d
ha s a l rea d y ma de
wa ve s b y f i l l i n g e
ve r y s p o t f r o m f i r
s t t o f o u r t h i n t he
i r ea r l y o u t i n g s.
I n o r de r t o f u r t he r de ve l o p t he s p
o r t a t g o ve r n i n g b
o d y le ve l, S c o t t i s
h C y c l i n g i s ta k i n g
a lea d i n pa t h wa y
a n d
j u n i o r de ve l o p me
n t . T he S c o t t i s h C
y c l i n g Ta le n t Tea m i s f o c u se d o
n p r o v i d i n g a w o r
l d c la s s s u p p o r t f r
a me w o r k
t ha t w i l l p r o d u ce
a h o s t o f w o r l d c l
a s s j u n i o r a t h le te
s w i t h i n a f o u r yea r t i me f ra m
e.
Scottish Cycling, © remains with Steve Lindridge
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3 5
National Training and Rider Development CentreThe Scott ish National O utd oor Training Centre, Glenmore Lod ge, is playing
an increasing role in supporting the development of mountain bike activity
and especially the training of leaders and mountain bike tutors. Scottish
Cycling and t he SM BDC should investigat e the extent t o which Glenm ore
Lodge can play a more significant role in the development of leaders and in
supporting p erformance development.
Award SchemesThe possibility of the development of a national personal proficiency-based
awards scheme for mountain biking was discussed in detail at the National
Conference, part icularly as there are a num ber of p roficiency schemes in
other sports like skiing which could inform a similar scheme in mountain
biking. In conjunction wit h part ners Scott ish Cycling, CTC, SM BLA and
Sustrans, Cycling Scotland h as since developed GO M TB, a moun tain
biking proficiency scheme with 5 levels and 4 themes.
There are a number of
proficiency schemes in
other sport s like skiing
which might well form the
basis for a similar scheme
in mountain biking.
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3 6
EVENTS
In the area of major international mountain bike events, Scotland is truly
world-class. The series of UCI Mountain Bike World Cup events since 2002
and the M ountain Bike and Trials World Championships in 2 00 7 in Fort
William have shown that Scotland has both the facilities and the expertise
to organise the highest standard of competition. The World Cup has grown
year on year generating in excess of £1 0m in economic impact in the
Highlands since 20 0 2. The World Championships alone generated £ 5 .9m
for t he local economy.
Glasgow’s hosting of t he Commonwealth Games in 20 1 4, which will
feature mountain biking, will be a catalyst to further build this profile and
interest along with participation and elite performance.
Wit h N evis Range, Leanachan Forest and Glentress having been selected
to be in the London Olympics 2012 pre-training camp guide, there is
scope to investigate the staging of other events such as a UCI Marathonand a range of European events. The staging of national, regional and local
events, together with charitable events, is not without challenges, despite
the economic impact which can result. Some venues used, especially in the
downhill circuit, lack investment and are not properly configured or
constructed. This, together with growth in demand for competit ion p laces,
is putting organisers and the venues under pressure. A code of practice for
events would be a useful consideration.
As part of this Framework, Scottish Cycling will, in cooperation with
relevant part ners and especially EventScotland, seek t o prod uce a longer
term events plan for mountain biking in Scotland. This will consolidateScotland’s position as a World Cup venue, identify further opportunities to
bring major events to Scotland and encourage the creation of more local
events throughout the countr y, a key suggestion from the Perth Conference.
The World Championships
alone generated £ 5 .9 m
for t he local econom y.
2 Source: EventScotland
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C AS E S T U D Y : M o unt ai n B i k e and T r i al s
W o r l d C hamp i o ns hi p s 2 0 0 7 F o r t W i l l i am h o s t e d t h e U C I W o r l d M o u n t ai n B i k e an d T r i al s C h am p i o n s h i p s i n S e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 7 ;
a c u l m i n at i o n o f f i v e s u c c e s s f u l U C I M o u n t ai n B i k e an d T r i al s W o r l d C u p s h o s t e d i n t h e ar e a.
E v e n t S c o t l an d p l ay e d a l e ad i n g r o l e i n s e c u r i n g p ar t n e r s u p p o r t an d w o r k i n g w i t h o r g an i s e r s R ar e
M an ag e m e n t an d p ar t n e r s – U K S p o r t , V i s i t S c o t l an d , s p o r t s c o t l an d , H i g h l an d C o u n c i l an d H I E -
t o w i n t h e C h am p i o n s h i p s f o r S c o t l an d . N i s s an w as a k e y s p o n s o r f o r t h e e v e n t , ad d i n g s i g n i f i c an t w e i g h t
t o m ar k e t i n g / P R o p p o r t u n i t i e s an d p r o v i d i n g c ar s t o t h e e v e n t o r g an i s e r s i n ad d i t i o n t o t h e i r c as h .
T h e C h am p i o n s h i p s b r o u g h t 7 46 r i d e r s f r o m 47 n at i o n s t o S c o t l an d an d t h o u s an d s o f v i s i t o r s t o t h e H i g h l an d s ,
g e n e r at i n g an e s t i m at e d £ 1 .7 M i n e c o n o m i c i m p ac t an d £ 5 .9 M n e t ad d i t i o n al e x p e n d i t u r e t o Lo c h ab e r .
T h e e v e n t at t r ac t e d 3 3 h o u r s o f w o r l d w i d e T V c o v e r ag e s h o w c as i n g S c o t l an d ’ s n at u r al as s e t s ac r o s s 2 0
c o u n t r i e s . O t h e r k e y o u t c o m e s i n c l u d e d i n v e s t m e n t i n w o r l d c l as s m o u n t ai n b i k e t r ac k s , £ 1 .5 M i n v e s t m e n t i n
a p e r m an e n t 3 k m p at h w ay f r o m F o r t W i l l i am t o w n t o t h e t r ac k s , s t r e n g t h e n e d r e l at i o n s h i p an d r e p u t at i o n w i t h
U C I ( t h e i n t e r n at i o n al c y c l i n g g o v e r n i n g b o d y ) an d B r i t i s h C y c l i n g an d i n c r e as e d i n t e r e s t i n h o s t i n g e v e n t s i n
o t h e r ar e as .
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CA S E S T U D Y: G le n mo re Lo d ge T ra i n i n g Fa c i l i t y
T he s po r t s c o t la n d m o u n
ta i n b i ke t ra i n i n g
fa c i l i t y a t G le n m o
re L o d ge, l ie s w i t h i n a Na t i o na l
S ce n i c A rea, a S i t
e
o f S pe c ia l S c ie n t i f
i c I n te re s t , a S pe c
ia l P r o t e c t i o n A rea
, a S pe c ia l A rea o
f C o n se r va t i o n a n d t he Ca i r n g o r m
s
Na t i o na l Pa r k. T h
r o u g h g o o d ma na
ge me n t , s i t i n g, de
s i g n a n d c o n s t r u c
t i o n o f t he fa c i l i t y
a n d w o r k i n g c l o s
e l y
w i t h c o n se r va t i o n
i n te re s t s, i n c l u d i n
g t he na t i o na l pa r
k a n d S c o t t i s h Na
t u ra l He r i ta ge, a n
i n te n s i ve l y - u se d
re c rea t i o na l re s o u
r ce wa s s u c ce s s f u
l l y i n te g ra te d w i t h
i n a hea v i l y de s i g n
a t e d s i te. s po r t s c o t la
n d ha s p r o d u ce d
a
be s t p ra c t i ce re p o
r t o n t he de ve l o p
me n t o f t he fa c i l i
t y w h i c h h i g h l i g h
t s, a m o n g s t o t he r
me s sa ge s, w ha t h
a s bee n
d o ne t o a me l i o ra
te t he i m pa c t o f t
he t ra i n i n g fa c i l i t
y o n t he la n d s ca p
e a n d na t u re c o n
se r va t i o n i n t e re s t s
o f
t he s i te.
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3 9
SUSTAINABILITY
As has been described earlier, t he issues of econom ic and environm ental
sustainability are critical components of this Framework. Aspects of
economic sustainability have been d iscussed previously in t his docum ent
and the need for public sector support to realise the potential returns in
terms of benefit to businesses and communities has been highlighted.
These aspects will be run as core themes within t he work of t he SM BDC
and partners in the implementation of this Framework.
In terms of environmental sustainability, the Framework suggests that more
work is necessary to build on the excellent work being led by SNH to
explain the r ights and responsibilities imp licit within access legislation and
the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Regarding trail development, the Framework emphasises that this should
only take place when there has been a full environmental impact
assessment. It is hoped that, in this respect, SNH will be willing to beactive partners in the Development Clusters.
... the issues of econom ic
and environmental
sustainability are
critical components of
th is Framework.
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KN OW LEDGE M ANAGEM ENT
AND EVALUATION
The final area to be add ressed in t he Framework is the k nowledge b ase
and evaluation of the potential and significance of mountain biking to
Scotland. There have been a number of studies of the impact of the activity
in Scotland, not least the most recent economic impact study of the
7 stanes Project. The partn ers believe, however, t hat t here is only limited
knowledge available on which to consider the feasibility of projects and it is
proposed that the SMBDC take responsibility for commissioning relevant
research to support the future sustainable development of the activity in
Scotland in a way which secures the b enefits identified for t he count ry.
Commissioned research should include equity / social impacts alongside
environm ental and econom ic sustainability, all three aspects benefiting
from the identification of good practice from an evidence base.
An im portant part of t his work will be the overall evaluation of the
implementation of this Framework. This will require more detailed
business planning b y the SM BDC when it is form ally established.
4 0
Commissioned research
should include equity/
social impacts alongside
environmental and
economic sustainability,
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The partners of the Scottish Mountain
Bike Development Consortium are:
A r epresentat ive
from The Highland
Council, acting as
local government
advisor
www.forest ry.gov.uk/scot land www.hie.co.uk www.imba.org.uk
www.scottishcycling.org.uk
www.sportscot land.org.uk www.visitscot land.com
www.ctc.org.ukwww.cyclingscotland.org
www.eventscotland.org
www.scot t ish-ent erprise.com www.snh.org.uk
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ContactSM BDC Project M anager
at Scot t ish Cycling
www.scottishcycling.org.uk
t el: 0 1 3 1 3 1 7 9 7 0 4
Published by – Forest ry Commission Scotl and on behalf of t he
Scottish Mountain Bike Development Consortium – December 2009ISBN – 978 0 85 538 795 2
©Crown Copyr ight 200 9
Photogr aphs from:
Andy McCandlish Photogr aphy: Cover, P20 (© www.andymccandlish.com)
Cycling Scotland (Go MTB): P35
EventScotland: P36
Forestry Commission Picture Library: P1, P3, P5, P8, P10, P14, P15, P16, P24, P26, P27, P29, P30, P35, P39, P39, P40
Glasgow City Council: P25
Phunkt.com: P37 (© Keith Valentine)
Scott ish Cycling: P12, P17 , P32, P34 ( © Steve Lindrid ge)