Sustainable Development of Mountain Biking in Scotland: A National Strategic Framework

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


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/sustainable-development-of-mountain-biking-in-scotland-a-national-strategic 2/44Cover photograph: © www.andymccandlish.com



1

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



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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3

...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



4

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.





6

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.



1 2

• 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.



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.



... 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

1 8



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.


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/sustainable-development-of-mountain-biking-in-scotland-a-national-strategic 22/44 © www.andymccandlish.com



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.



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.



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).



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.

2 4





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

.



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.



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 .. .

2 8



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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 .

Phunkt.com, © remains with Keit h Valentine



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.



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.



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,



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



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)

Documents

Sustainable Development of Mountain Biking in Scotland: A National Strategic Framework