New cycle route from Strathyre to Kingshouse unveiled
Plans for a new 3.5km cycle track from the villages of Strathyre to Kingshouse in the Trossachs have been unveiled.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said £750,00 would be spent by the Scottish government for the new route in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
The project signals the successful conclusion of a campaign by locals for such a route.
The track is part of a national plan by ministers to ensure 10% of all journeys by the year 2020 are made by bike.
Mr Brown said: "I am pleased to announce funding for this new cycle path which will provide a traffic free route between the communities of Strathyre and Kingshouse.
"It will allow residents the opportunity to walk and cycle as part of their everyday journeys and provide access to existing routes in the surrounding areas."
Funding for the project will be allocated to Sustrans Scotland who will work with the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and Forestry Commission Scotland to construct the route.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park said they would also provide match funding for the track between the two villages.
Fiona Logan, from Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park said: "This important community and tourism route is something the local community have long campaigned for."
She added that the new link could also pave the way further economic investment in the area, with potential for new campsites and local businesses providing recreation facilities.