An ambitious plan to link Inverness city centre with the Highland capital’s marine heritage – for cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy – has moved a step closer.
The Port of Inverness has been awarded a £22,500 grant from sustainable travel charity Sustrans to draw up detailed proposals for a Maritime Heritage Trail.
Members of the public are now being invited to attend a consultation day in the Victorian Market in Inverness next Wednesday to find out more and comment on the new trail.
The proposed improved link will follow part of the existing National Cycle Network Route 1 and will lead from Inverness Marina, past the port and along Shore Street into the city centre.
The increasing numbers of tourists visiting the “Maritime Quarter” of the city, along with the considerable number of commuters cycling to work, has prompted the plans for a dedicated route.
Sinclair Browne, chief executive of the Port of Inverness, said: “With more people taking dolphin trips, yachtsmen calling at the Marina, and holiday makers embarking and disembarking from cruises at the port, the need for an attractive route to encourage people to visit the city centre is becoming more apparent.
“In addition, plans for the Harbour Gait Waterfront development site will also increase visitors and cyclists to this area.”
Deputy harbourmaster Gordon Mackenzie added: “The Longman area is also busy with cyclists who cycle to work over the Kessock Bridge and a combined cycle/pedestrian route would enable everyone to travel safely to the city centre.
“We are looking forward to hearing what local people and businesses think of our plans and to moving forward after taking their views onboard.”
Dave Keane, community links manager for Sustrans Scotland, said: “This is a project which will provide long lasting benefit to people making every-day journeys to and from Inverness City Centre and those using the National Cycle Network to explore the Scottish Highlands.
“We are pleased to have been able to support it, alongside the wider plans for the Inverness Active Travel Network.”
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The proposed route is around one mile long and there are plans to include interpretation panels highlighting the port’s historical significance.
There has been a port in Inverness since the 13th century which became a major centre of trade with Europe during the Industrial Revolution.
The consultation event takes place next Wednesday from 11.30am to 4pm at the Victorian Market.
More information and the opportunity to comment online is also available at www.portofinverness.co.uk.
