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Edinburgh Reporter
28-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Bathgate meadows plan survives £17m lottery rejection
Plans to provide a green lane through the heart of Bathgate will survive the loss of £17m National Lottery funding, councillors have been told. The plan, launched in 2022, will eventually see Bathgate Burn restored and its banks turned into green space, as well as creating travel routes running through the heart of the town. However, having funded initial design plans the National Lottery Heritage Fund backed away from proposals in January because of 'the very significant increase in the cost and scope of the project.' New, rationalised proposals expected later this year will concentrate on the greening of the Bathgate Burn. The withdrawal caused consternation among local groups working with the Council and national agencies such as SEPA and Sustrans, looking at ways to bring the Bathgate Meadows Nature Park to life. What had started out as potentially a £10m project had ballooned to £20m as the number of active travel routes had increased, involving more work on the town's streets as well as along the banks of the Bathgate Burn. In a report to the town's local area management committee this week Graeme Burton the council's Design Engineering Manager said: 'The feedback from the National Lottery Heritage Fund was that the level of unsecured match funding was the main risk to the project, as well as the increase in scope. 'A significant portion of the unsecured funding is because the council is only able to apply for active travel funding from Transport Scotland on a yearly basis, which is not guaranteed. Mr Burton report added 'the council will aim to rationalise the current scope during the next phase of the design.' Despite the unsuccessful National Lottery application, SEPA have expressed their ambition to continue funding the project through to the construction phase. SUStrans Places for Everyone funding will still be available until September 2025, at which point this funding stream will cease. Other funding will need to be applied for on a yearly basis to deliver the active travel elements through Transport Scotland's Active Travel Infrastructure Fund. This fund takes the place of the SUStrans Places for Everyone fund. Mr Burton's report to the local area committee added: 'Officers have recently been liaising with all project partners and the Project Board to identify the next steps. It is intended that river restoration and active travel elements will continue development, however, the community engagement and traineeships elements will reduce in scope. 'One of the project partners, Forth Rivers Trust, was the partner who would have continued community engagement and traineeships; however, it has been decided that West Lothian Council officers will progress community engagement on a reduced scale, with no further involvement from Forth Rivers Trust. 'Designs are currently ongoing, with detailed designs for river restoration programmed to be complete towards the end of 2026, following statutory consultation periods and due to seasonal constraints for wildlife identified within the area. 'The detailed design for some active travel routes are programmed to be complete by Autumn 2025.' Council officers had to call an emergency meeting with the local committee in January when the National Lottery made its decision. There were widespread fears that the project would collapse. At the time a council spokesperson described the decision as 'obviously disappointing' but stressed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service: ' It is not correct to suggest that the Bathgate Meadows Nature Park Project has been cancelled. 'This is an ambitious multi-year project involving multiple partners with the aim of regenerating the area around the Bathgate Water. The council is a member of a multi-agency project board, working alongside members of the community to deliver the Bathgate Meadows restoration. This is a complex piece of work, funded through multiple phases via a number of identified funding streams.' Councillor Pauline Stafford sought assurances that community involvement would still be part of the plan Mr Burton said that it has been decided that West Lothian Council officers will progress community engagement on a reduced scale, with no further involvement from Forth Rivers Trust. By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
24-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
New £11million walking and cycling route project around Stirling launched
An £11million project designed to transform how people move around Stirling and encourage more people to walk and cycle was officially unveiled yesterday. The 'Walk, Cycle, Live' scheme has created a pair of new cycling, walking and wheeling corridors of more than 6.5 km to help connect communities and educational institutes across the city. The first of the two routes links Stirling train station and the city's university, taking in iconic landmarks such as Old Stirling Bridge and the Wallace Monument along the way. On the second route, the gaps between Forth Valley College and the city centre have been bridged to increase access across Stirling. The project was opened at an event at Wallace High School yesterday, with staff and pupils from the school joined by representatives from Stirling Council, the Scottish Government and other key stakeholders. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: 'I'm very pleased to officially open the Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project. 'Funded by almost £11 million from the Scottish Government, these two new major active travel corridors will make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday journeys. 'This means more people saving money, living healthier lives and leaving their car at home to reduce their emissions. 'To support the ambitions of Scotland's local authorities for more high quality active travel infrastructure, we are investing £188 million into active and sustainable transport in 2025-26. 'This will help ensure more people and communities across Scotland can benefit from easier sustainable travel options.' The project is described as a 'cornerstone' of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal - with funding coming from the Scottish Government through Sustrans' Places for Everyone programme, the City Region Deal and by Stirling Council from developer contributions. Stirling Council Depute Leader, Cllr Jen Preston, added: 'I'm thrilled we are marking the completion of this landmark project that will transform how people and places in Stirling are connected. 'Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling sets a new standard for active travel infrastructure in a Scottish city. 'For the first time ever, there are seamless routes for cycling and walking in the heart of Stirling, linking communities and public transport hubs to businesses, schools, the university and college, as well as the wider region. 'The new infrastructure has already been used by people of all ages in our communities, including by pupils and staff at Wallace High, and it's going to be a key part of how we support the growing shift to active travel as well as increasing footfall and economic activity for our businesses. ' The scheme has not been without its critics during construction, with locals having had to contend with varying degrees of disruption during the works. Cllr Preston added: 'I want to thank all our residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during the works, and we are committed to engaging with them to unlock the full benefits of this major investment.' Simon Strain, Head of Programme, Places for Everyone, at Sustrans said: 'Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling is transformational for the city. 'Making walking, wheeling and cycling safer and easier means everyone moving around Stirling has more choice for everyday journeys. 'Feeling confident enough to choose to walk, wheel or cycle benefits our health, our wallets, and our local environment. We're delighted that Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling has now made these choices a reality for more people in the city.'
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New active travel project 'transformational' for Scottish city
Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling has created two new cycling, walking and wheeling corridors of more than 6.5 km that connect communities, businesses and higher education institutes across the city. The £11 million project is a cornerstone of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, a £214 million partnership between both Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils, the University of Stirling and the UK and Scottish Governments. It has been funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans' Places for Everyone programme (£8.4 million) and via the City Region Deal (£2.5 million), and by Stirling Council from developer contributions (£325,000). Route one links Stirling Train Station and the University of Stirling, taking in landmarks like Old Stirling Bridge and the National Wallace Monument along the way. Route two has bridged the gaps between Forth Valley College and Stirling's historic city centre under the shadow of Stirling Castle. READ MORE: Opening date revealed for new road bridge spanning River Clyde 'Landmark' cycle routes deliver record share of journeys by bike in Scotland Latest Avenues work in Glasgow begins in 'key entrance point' The new infrastructure will also lay the foundations for future connections to Clackmannanshire and the wider Forth Valley region, and support the objectives of Stirling Council's Climate and Nature Emergency Plan. The project was officially opened on Thursday at a section of the route next to Wallace High School, with staff and pupils, funding partners and other key local stakeholders in attendance. Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: 'I'm very pleased to officially open the Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project. Funded by almost £11 million from the Scottish Government, these two new major active travel corridors will make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday journeys. 'This means more people saving money, living healthier lives and leaving their car at home to reduce their emissions. 'To support the ambitions of Scotland's local authorities for more high quality active travel infrastructure, we are investing £188 million into active and sustainable transport in 2025-26. This will help ensure more people and communities across Scotland can benefit from easier sustainable travel options.' Stirling (Image: Stirling Council) 'To help communities prosper, the Scottish Government is investing £45 million through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal. 'The Deal aims to create 5,000 jobs in Clackmannanshire and Stirling by boosting transport, tourism, training, business growth and projects to tackle climate change.' Stirling Council Depute Leader, Cllr Jen Preston said: 'I'm thrilled we are marking the completion of this landmark project that will transform how people and places in Stirling are connected. 'Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling sets a new standard for active travel infrastructure in a Scottish city. For the first time ever, there are seamless routes for cycling and walking in the heart of Stirling, linking communities and public transport hubs to businesses, schools, the university and college, as well as the wider region. 'The new infrastructure has already been used by people of all ages in our communities, including by pupils and staff at Wallace High, and it's going to be a key part of how we support the growing shift to active travel as well as increasing footfall and economic activity for our businesses. 'I want to thank all our residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during the works, and we are committed to engaging with them to unlock the full benefits of this major investment.' Simon Strain, Head of Programme, Places for Everyone at Sustrans said: 'Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling is transformational for the city. 'Making walking, wheeling and cycling safer and easier means everyone moving around Stirling has more choice for everyday journeys. 'Feeling confident enough to choose to walk, wheel or cycle benefits our health, our wallets, and our local environment. We're delighted that Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling has now made these choices a reality for more people in the city.'
The Herald Scotland
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
New active travel project 'transformational' for Stirling
It has been funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans' Places for Everyone programme (£8.4 million) and via the City Region Deal (£2.5 million), and by Stirling Council from developer contributions (£325,000). Route one links Stirling Train Station and the University of Stirling, taking in landmarks like Old Stirling Bridge and the National Wallace Monument along the way. Route two has bridged the gaps between Forth Valley College and Stirling's historic city centre under the shadow of Stirling Castle. READ MORE: Opening date revealed for new road bridge spanning River Clyde 'Landmark' cycle routes deliver record share of journeys by bike in Scotland Latest Avenues work in Glasgow begins in 'key entrance point' The new infrastructure will also lay the foundations for future connections to Clackmannanshire and the wider Forth Valley region, and support the objectives of Stirling Council's Climate and Nature Emergency Plan. The project was officially opened on Thursday at a section of the route next to Wallace High School, with staff and pupils, funding partners and other key local stakeholders in attendance. Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: 'I'm very pleased to officially open the Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project. Funded by almost £11 million from the Scottish Government, these two new major active travel corridors will make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday journeys. 'This means more people saving money, living healthier lives and leaving their car at home to reduce their emissions. 'To support the ambitions of Scotland's local authorities for more high quality active travel infrastructure, we are investing £188 million into active and sustainable transport in 2025-26. This will help ensure more people and communities across Scotland can benefit from easier sustainable travel options.' 'To help communities prosper, the Scottish Government is investing £45 million through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal. 'The Deal aims to create 5,000 jobs in Clackmannanshire and Stirling by boosting transport, tourism, training, business growth and projects to tackle climate change.' Stirling Council Depute Leader, Cllr Jen Preston said: 'I'm thrilled we are marking the completion of this landmark project that will transform how people and places in Stirling are connected. 'Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling sets a new standard for active travel infrastructure in a Scottish city. For the first time ever, there are seamless routes for cycling and walking in the heart of Stirling, linking communities and public transport hubs to businesses, schools, the university and college, as well as the wider region. 'The new infrastructure has already been used by people of all ages in our communities, including by pupils and staff at Wallace High, and it's going to be a key part of how we support the growing shift to active travel as well as increasing footfall and economic activity for our businesses. 'I want to thank all our residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during the works, and we are committed to engaging with them to unlock the full benefits of this major investment.' Simon Strain, Head of Programme, Places for Everyone at Sustrans said: 'Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling is transformational for the city. 'Making walking, wheeling and cycling safer and easier means everyone moving around Stirling has more choice for everyday journeys. 'Feeling confident enough to choose to walk, wheel or cycle benefits our health, our wallets, and our local environment. We're delighted that Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling has now made these choices a reality for more people in the city.'
The National
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
SNP lose control of Angus Council to Tory-Labour coalition
A special meeting of Angus Council held on Tuesday saw councillors vote 14-13 to remove the SNP from power. A new Scottish Conservative, Scottish Labour and Independent coalition – totalling 13 councillors – will now take control of the 28-member local authority. Former SNP deputy leader George Meechan, who stepped down from the post and became an independent councillor earlier this month, is set to become the leader of the new administration. READ MORE: SNP MP tears into Labour Cabinet in fiery Scottish independence exchange at PMQs Conservative councillor Derek Wann will serve as deputy leader. Another special council meeting will be set to decide other senior posts. Until then, all scheduled committee meetings are to be delayed. During Tuesday's meeting, councillor Wann accused the administration of "faltering" and focusing on the wrong priorities. He also criticised councillor Bill Duff of "accelerating" its decline. READ MORE: Decline of Scotland's last venomous snake sparks conservation fears However, Duff defended the SNP administration and cited the new £66.5 million Monifieth High School campus and Arbroath's Places for Everyone project as major achievements. Following the decision, Meechan said: "Today went as well as to be expected. "It's not something we were looking forward to, but something we think was needed. "We hope moving forward we will be more aligned to what the people of Angus want."
