Scottish Government funding for the West Edinburgh Active Travel Network

WEST EDINBURGH ACTIVE TRAVEL PROJECT SHARES IN £22 MILLION FUND

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has welcomed news that Edinburgh is set to be boosted by Scottish Government funding for the West Edinburgh Active Travel Network to support walking, running and cycling.

The funding is part of a £22.5 million grant for five projects across the country from Transport Scotland, being delivered through Sustrans Scotland – and it represents a massive boost to Edinburgh as the Scottish Government seeks to increase the number of people engaged in active travel through the Active Nation initiative.

The project proposes to transform the west of Edinburgh into a Dutch-inspired cycle and pedestrian friendly neighbourhood from Roseburn to Edinburgh Park – including access to Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University, the Gyle shopping centre, new housing developments at East Craigs and Cammo, and existing communities of Stenhouse, Broomhouse, Saughton, Sighthill and Wester Hailes.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said, “This is very welcome news for Edinburgh and will undoubtedly help support local jobs and our local economy, as well as of course boosting efforts to get more people in Edinburgh involved in walking, running and cycling.

“This funding announcement will play a key role in getting people active across Edinburgh, helping to reduce air pollution caused by traffic while encouraging healthy lifestyles.

“And it follows the SNP Scottish Government’s announcement that the total active travel budget is to be doubled to £80 million as part of the Active Nation strategy.

“This project will help create a more integrated transport network in Edinburgh and beyond, supporting pedestrian routes from Roseburn to Edinburgh Park and benefitting communities such as Stenhouse, Broomhouse, Saughton, Sighthill, Wester Hailes, East Craigs and Cammo, as well as our world-class universities.

“Active travel is a vital part of the Scottish Government’s transport strategy – and the funding for the West Edinburgh Active Travel Network will be a great boost to people across Edinburgh as we seek to become a more active nation and society.”