Ordnance Survey – Great Britain's national mapping agency

Mountain biking project brings £9 million to Scotland

05 March 2008

A mountain-biking project in Scotland has generated a £9 million annual visitor income and 200 new jobs, according to new reports.

The Forestry Commission for Scotland (FCS) has revealed that around 400 000 people now visit 7stanes, which is a 'biking heaven', each year.

The 7stanes scheme is located in Dumfries, Galloway and the Scottish Borders and features a range of mountain-bike trails, which span rolling hills and ‘views to die for’.

It was set up six years ago and, according to the Environment Minister Mike Russell, has become a ‘world-class mountain-biking destination’.

Priority Industries Manager for Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway, Allison MacColl, explained that business groups in the area have been tailoring their accommodation and facilities for mountain bikers.

She said: ‘It's encouraging to see the level of satisfaction with the trails has gone up as well, to 75%.

‘Overall it's a really positive and enduring story because the sport of mountain biking is still on a fast growth curve, so there are lots of opportunities to expand.’

The 7stanes project offers cyclists over 400 kilometres of mountain-biking trails and fire roads.

It is a partnership between the FCS and tourism and enterprise bodies, which is 50% financed by the EU and supported by the Scottish Association for Mental Health.

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