South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) has launched a £300,000 South of Scotland Cycling Infrastructure Fund, offering grants between £3,000 and £25,000 to 30 tourism businesses, social enterprises, and community groups to enhance cycling-related facilities.
According to their press release, eligible projects under the fund include installing secure bike storage, maintenance stations, bike washes, drying equipment for clothes and gear, and coin-fed laundry facilities.
These upgrades can transform sites into convenient destinations for cyclists traveling routes like the Kirkpatrick C2C or exploring the 7Stanes trail centers.
For example, Tweed Valley Pods, a glamping retreat in Innerleithen, used its £10,700 grant to upgrade its bike wash, add heated lockers for drying clothing, and install a tool station along with laundry facilities.
“We’ve had such great feedback from guests, all leaving five-star reviews, with many of them commenting on how much they appreciated the provision for cyclists,” said Margot Smolenska of Tweed Valley Pods.
“We are finding that people are booking longer stays with us in the knowledge they can wash and dry their muddy kit, wash their bikes, and importantly store them securely.”
These enhancements earned them recognition as the 2023 Scottish Mountain Biking Accommodation Provider of the Year, underscoring the value of such investments in catering to the cycling market.
Similarly, Shepherd’s Rest, a camping and glamping site in Foulden, utilized its grant to create the Comfort Room project with space for cyclists to gather, charge devices, and store bikes securely. The addition has led to more bookings and longer stays from cycling guests.
This initiative positions the South of Scotland as a premier cycling destination while presenting campground and glamping operators with an exciting opportunity to attract a growing demographic of cycling enthusiasts.
This trend represents a significant growth opportunity for outdoor hospitality providers. By leveraging the Cycling Infrastructure Fund, campgrounds, and glamping resorts in the region can align their offerings with the needs of this burgeoning market, boosting both guest satisfaction and revenue.
