Work is set to commence on a new active travel route in Inverurie, following a significant capital funding allocation to Aberdeenshire Council. The project, designed to bolster walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure, has secured investment from the Scottish Government’s Active Travel Infrastructure 2 Fund.
The Scottish Government’s Active Travel Infrastructure 2 Fund is a competitive programme established to support initiatives that encourage active travel modes, thereby fostering healthier communities, reducing carbon emissions, and alleviating traffic congestion. Active travel encompasses journeys made by physically active, human-powered methods, including walking, cycling, and using mobility aids.
The improvements will focus on the Kellands area of Inverurie, delivering a range of enhancements. These include the creation of new, wider, and accessible paths through Kellands Park, along with junction upgrades at Selbie Drive and Kellands Road.
Furthermore, the scheme will introduce new all-ability access points leading to Kellands Primary School. The planned works are also set to enhance the park environment for all users, aiming for improved safety, greater welcoming aesthetics, and easier navigation. As part of this, the park’s lighting infrastructure will be modernised with energy-efficient LED streetlights, enhancing visibility and safety throughout the year.
The anticipated construction period for the Kellands project is two months. Aberdeenshire Council has indicated that efforts will be made to minimise disruption, requesting pedestrians to observe and adhere to any temporary path closures during the works.
Councillor Marion Ewenson, Chair of the council’s Garioch Area Committee, welcomed the grant award, stating:
“Receiving this level of capital funding is great news for the local community and these improvements mark a positive step forward for active travel in Inverurie, supporting healthier lifestyles and making it easier for people of all ages and abilities to choose walking, wheeling or cycling for everyday journeys.”
Cllr Ewenson highlighted that the success of the bid was partly due to the “joined-up approach” outlined in the “award-winning Inverurie Integrated Travel Town Masterplan” and its alignment with the “School Streets scheme” planned for Kellands Primary School later this year.
The Inverurie Integrated Travel Town Masterplan is a council initiative, supported by Sustrans and Paths for All, focused on promoting sustainable and active travel through community engagement and infrastructure development. The School Streets scheme typically involves temporary restrictions on motorised traffic around schools during drop-off and pick-up times to enhance safety and air quality.
Councillor Alan Turner, Chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, added further context, noting: “This funding award is part of a larger grant of £980,000 to support several projects across the area and is a first for Aberdeenshire Council.”
Cllr Turner underscored the council’s “clear and bold ambition towards sustainable and active travel,” which has fostered confidence from Transport Scotland, leading to this substantial investment.
Beyond Inverurie, other schemes receiving funding include a 2.5km shared-use path connecting Fraserburgh to Cairnbulg and Inverallochy, part of the Fraserburgh Integrated Travel Town project, and a crucial north-south link at Collieburn in Peterhead.
