£2m fund to boost eco-travel support

Funding worth £2 million to encourage people to increase journeys by foot, bicycle and public transport has been announced by the Scottish Government.

Grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 for projects to increase sustainable journeys are available from the Government’s active travel budget.

Applications for projects or ideas need to be match funded by public, community and third sector organisations.

Announcing the second round of funding for the scheme, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “The Smarter Choices Smarter Places Open Fund helps fund innovative ideas to encourage walking, cycling and sustainable travel.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to implement programmes aimed at cutting carbon emissions, improving air quality and making healthier, safer, active travel a more viable option for getting around.”

Ian Findlay, chief offic - er of the charity Paths for All, said: “creating opportunities for more people to walk and cycle for everyday short trips and choosing sustainable options for longer journeys is not only beneficial to health and wellbeing, it also helps the environment.”