Scotland’s first island bike park is geared up to welcome visitors after being officially opened on Arran.
Dyemill Park is the brainchild of Arran High School Mountain Bike Club, which came up with the ambitious plan to create an accessible and safe all-weather facility.
Last summer, it was announced that £220,625 had been secured by the club, which encourages a range of cycling activities, from the Scottish Government’s Islands’ Programme.
Additionally, a £10,000 grant was secured in December 2022 from North Ayrshire Ventures Trust (NAVT), which is a grant programme controlled by North Ayrshire Council that supports projects and ideas that have the potential to make a difference to the lives of residents, as well as £20,000 from the council’s Place Based Investment Programme.
The aim of the project is to encourage people to cycle and develop their skills at the site in Dyemill Forest, Lamlash.
The trails are suitable for beginners through to advanced riders. There is also a floodlit pump track and a fully equipped solar powered shelter to carry out bike maintenance.
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands said:
"When the Islands’ Programme funding was announced last year it was a great boost to this fantastic project. Arran High School Mountain Bike Club – and everyone who contributed - should be applauded for spearheading this project and making their dream a reality by working hard in partnership with a number of organisations. Arran High School staff Robert McNeice and Steve Garraway – the Mountain Bike Club founder and treasurer – have devoted themselves to the project and I congratulate them on helping to get the bike park over the line with their passion and determination. I wish Arran residents and visitors many years of enjoyment as they develop their mountain bike skills, get fit and active and enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the park."
In 2022, the Mountain Bike Club successfully finalised a Community Asset Transfer, acquiring 5.71 hectares of woodland from Forestry and Land Scotland to create the bike park.
At the official opening in August, the high school’s Headteacher Susan Foster made a short speech, members of the public were invited to borrow a bike and try the trails and pump track and there was a raffle to win a bike.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:
"I am delighted for the bike club and all the cyclists of Arran that they have this new park, and their hard work and vision have paid off. This will give a lasting legacy to so many people, both islanders and visitors.
“This new bike trail is a great example of how the National Islands Plan benefits communities and how valuable land transfers can be in giving them opportunities to create facilities that they need and want, while also delivering real, tangible benefits for the people who live and work there.”
You can keep up to date with what is happening at the bike trail by following Dyemill on Facebook.
If you would like to apply for NAVT funding, please email infonavt@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
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