Tourism value of mountain bike festivals recognised

Perthshire-based Muckmedden Events has won funding from EventScotland for two mountain bike gatherings it is staging this year.

The Cream o’ the Croft and the Eliminator mountain bike festivals will both receive support from the national programme fund.

The first event will be held at Comrie Croft in Perthshire over the weekend of June 15-17.

The Eliminator will take place on the banks of the River Tay at Parkhill Farm, Newburgh, Fife, from August 31 to September 2.

Both will offer mountain bike racing for all ages, as well as live music, gourmet food and drink, and wild camping.

Aaron Gray, events director at Muckmedden Ltd, said the team were grateful for EventScotland’s support and looking forward to appealing to a wider audience.

“It’s a massive boost for us to have their backing, both in confidence and financially,” he said.

“Our festivals have grown in popularity with mountain bikers and their families since we held the first Eliminator at Parkhill Farm back in 2013.

“With EventScotland’s support we are now in a position to promote both festivals throughout the UK.”

Paul Bush, VisitScotland’s director of events, said the tourism body was “delighted” to be supporting the events and he was certain they would draw in more visitors to Perthshire and Fife.

“It is great to see in Scotland’s Year of Young People that both festivals include a wide range of activities catering to cycling fans of all ages and abilities,” he said.

“Scotland is the perfect stage for events.”