A school pupil plays with the newly-installed equipment outside Easter Carmuirs Primary School. Credit: Sustrans
A headteacher has welcomed the completion of a community-led project designed to make the routes into their primary school safer and more accessible.
Pupils, staff and the wider community at Easter Carmuirs Primary School in Camelon worked in partnership with Sustrans Scotland, Falkirk Council and the Safer Community Youth Action Project to deliver Easter Carmuirs Pocket Places.
A wider pedestrian walkway, as well as planters and additional areas for sitting or playing are among the installations. Credit: Sustrans
Among the improvements are a wider pedestrian walkway and installation of ramps to allow step-free access to school entrances.
The installations follow a collaborative process in which staff, pupils and parents/carers were asked to shape the project, ensuring that the final design meets the needs of those who use it the most.
Pupils have welcomed the installations. Credit: Sustrans
Shelagh Todd, Headteacher of Easter Carmuirs said:
“We’re thrilled with the redesign of the school grounds which has made the routes into school safer, more accessible and attractive.
“Following our award from Sustrans in 2021 we carried out consultation with children, families, community partners and staff around what would work best for our young people to enable safe travel into school. Work began in June 2023 and was completed in March 2024 including a redesign of the car park and safe paths in to school, ensuring accessibility for all.
“Everyone involved is extremely happy with the end result especially our pupils and their families.”
Headteacher Shelagh Todd
The pedestrian walkway has been extended, now continuing to the entrance of the nursery. Credit: Sustrans
What’s new at Easter Carmuirs Primary?
The protected central pedestrian walkway outside the school has been widened, with planters and additional areas for sitting or playing installed.
The path from the lower car park to the main school door has been widened to increase accessibility.
A ramp has been installed, allowing step-free access to other school entrances.
A further ramp has been put in place between the upper and lower car parks.
The pedestrian walkway has been extended, now continuing to the entrance of the nursery.
The school’s two existing bike shelters have been repaired, with the addition of lockable doors to improve security.
Staff, pupils and the wider community worked together to deliver Easter Carmuirs Pocket Places. Credit: Sustrans
How was the project delivered?
The completion of Easter Carmuirs Pocket Places follows a successful application by the school and Our Place Camelon and Tamfourhill to Sustrans Scotland in 2021 for support through the Pocket Places Programme. The Safer Community Youth Action Project is a legacy of the Our Place project.
Sustrans’ collaborative design process puts the people who use the space at the heart of designing solutions to local issues and the Pocket Places programme is an opportunity for local communities to shape their neighbourhood and take a lead in making their local area a better place to live.
Throughout the process, the project partners invited pupils, staff, parents/carers and the local community to share their views and aspirations for the lanes at a series of engagement activities.
Representatives of the project partners, from left, Serge Neumand, Project Manager, Co-Design, Sustrans Scotland, Sheila Muir, Parent Council Chair, Marion Eele, Project Lead, Co-Design, Sustrans Scotland, Shelagh Todd, Headteacher, Easter Carmuirs Primary School, Bryan Jardine, Transport Planning Officer, Falkirk Council and John Hosie, Youth & Community Development Worker, Safer Community Youth Action Project. Credit: Sustrans
John Hosie, Youth & Community Development Worker, Safer Community Youth Action Project, said:
“The installation of the new traffic management measures, the safe seating and social spaces and the now-enhanced and inclusive active travel access around Easter Carmuirs Primary School have all contributed to the positive legacy of the Our Place Camelon & Tamfourhill Projects Community Safety Strategy.
“I look forward to building on the partnership established with the school as the Safer Communities Youth Action Project supports and facilitates further community development projects and opportunities.”
Youth & Community Development Worker John Hosie
Creative ground markings by Bigg Design and Fun Makes Good are part of the improvements. Credit: Sustrans
Marion Eele, Project Lead, Co-Design, Sustrans Scotland, said:
“We are delighted to see the completion of this exciting project, delivered in partnership with the Easter Carmuirs Primary School community, Falkirk Council and the Safer Community Youth Action Project
“It has been especially pleasing to see the pupils enjoying the new spaces.
“Working closely with people from across the school community has ensured that the installations meet the needs of those who use them most.
“We hope these installations encourage more pupils to walk, wheel or cycle to and from school.”
Project Lead Marion Eele
Sustrans’ collaborative design process puts the people who use the space at the heart of designing solutions to local issues. Credit: Sustrans
Easter Carmuirs Pocket Places is supported by funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Pocket Places programme and delivered in partnership with the Safer Community Youth Action Project, Easter Carmuirs Primary School, and Falkirk Council.
An image from the concept design, showing how Eliza Street could look. Credit: Sustrans
Over a period of seven months, Stobswell Forum worked in partnership with Sustrans Scotland and Dundee City Council to understand what improvements residents, business owners, school pupils and community groups would like to make to Eliza Street.
The result is a concept design which can now be taken forward to detailed design and construction stages by Dundee City Council.
The concept design, which was revealed at an event in March 2024, is the latest stage of the ongoing regeneration of Stobswell, and builds on the project partners’ work in nearby streets, including the Craigie Street Pocket Park.
How was the concept design developed?
Using a collaborative design process, the local community were involved in each stage of the project; telling the project partners what they would like to see, developing ideas and giving feedback and suggestions on the draft concept design.
Throughout a series of in-person engagement events and workshops and via online surveys, residents emphasised the importance of bringing colour and art to the area.
Local artists Cara Rooney and Lauren Morsley were commissioned to create art panels for Eliza Street. Credit: Graeme McKenzie
The project partners commissioned local artists Cara Rooney and Lauren Morsley to deliver workshops and create art panels for Eliza Street. Cara and Lauren facilitated workshops with Clepington Primary, Morgan Academy and Dundee International Woman’s Centre to get ideas and inspiration.
The purpose of the panels was to explore and celebrate the sense of place, the history and the people of Stobswell. The brilliant set of art panels have been manufactured and installed by Barry from Robertsign, and were revealed at an event in March.
What else is included in the concept design?
In response to the community’s call for more greenery, the design includes planting more trees as well as installing rain gardens, in keeping with other streets in Stobswell.
Access to the street will be restricted by bollards to ensure only authorised vehicles can access the central public realm.
It has been recommended that seating that has back and arm rests, as well as wheelchair and pushchair friendly picnic tables and hedges and shrubs by the seating area to provide a wind barrier, should be provided.
Inspired by Langlands Street, a colourful and creative bin enclosure is proposed around the communal bins. This is in addition to the provision of more bins to reduce littering.
Elsewhere, the design proposes that cobbles are reused to complement the heritage of the area, and that two shuffle pole lighting columns be installed to improve the lighting on the street.
What happens next?
Now that the concept design has been revealed, the next stage of the Eliza Street project will be undertaken by Dundee City Council. The detailed design stage builds on the concept design by developing the designs to a technical level, ensuring the project can be built safely and effectively.
The delivery of future stages is dependent on funding.
Colleagues from Sustrans and Dundee City Council joined artists Cara Rooney and Lauren Morsley at the launch event. Credit: Graeme McKenzie
Chair of Stobswell Forum Colin Clement welcomed the concept design and said:
“Everyone at the Forum is really excited to reach the end of the first part of the project which has seen so many positive conversations around the future of Eliza Street.
“It’s clear that the local people as well as visitors and shoppers want to see a bright and welcoming public space in the heart of the Albert Street shopping area.”
Stobswell Forum Chair Colin Clement
Mollie McCulloch, Community Engagement and Behaviour Change Officer, Co-Design, Sustrans Scotland, added:
“We are pleased to complete the concept design stage of this project, working in partnership with the local community, Stobswell Forum and Dundee City Council to develop the community’s ideas and make Eliza Street a more attractive and exciting place to spend time in.
“The need to bring more colour to the area came up continually in our conversations with residents, and we’re thrilled that local artists Cara Rooney and Lauren Morsley were able to create art panels that celebrate Stobswell as a place, as well as the people who call it home.
“We look forward to seeing the community’s vision for Eliza Street become a reality.”
Mollie McCulloch, Sustrans Scotland
Councillor Steven Rome is Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure convener at Dundee City Council. Cllr Rome said:
“I am delighted that people living locally have played an important role in the development of this pocket park.
“Their views have helped to shape the final designs and local artists are creating artwork which will brighten the area up.
“The Eliza Street project is just the latest example of how communities can get involved in transforming their area.”
Cllr Steven Rome, Dundee City Council
Eliza Street Pocket Places is supported by funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Pocket Places programme, Dundee City Council’s Maryfield Community Regeneration Fund and District Centre Fund.
On Wednesday 3rd April, construction officially began on the landmark Arbroath A Place for Everyone project.
The £14m project, £10.7m of which has been awarded through Sustrans Scotland’s Scottish Government-backed Places for Everyone programme, is set to deliver a transformative network of all new walking, wheeling and cycling routes throughout the town.
This aims to neatly link up key travel destinations, such as shopping areas and schools, as well as popular tourist sites.
The project will also conveniently tie with National Cycle Network Route 1, which runs along the seafront from Dundee and up to Aberdeen, further cementing links between settlements along the coast.
Backed by extensive engagement with the local community, the emerging work is expected to help foster the conditions for a significant boost to the local economy via increased footfall to businesses and an uptick in tourism to the seafront.
Once completed, it is hoped by many that the project will serve as the backbone for future active travel initiatives in the area.
The delivery of the Arbroath project has been hotly anticipated by many for some time, with early community consultation dating back to 2015.
Financial support was initially received in 2019 via Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme, which at the time made Arbroath the first town in Scotland to receive such a high level of funding through the Scottish government-backed scheme.
Years of careful design and planning work, informed by and acting on feedback from the local community, were then carried out between the partnership of Sustrans, Angus Council, and Arcadis.
Following this process, proposals are now being taken forward to create:
A new 1.5km, segregated cycleway alongside the A92 dual carriageway from the West Links area of the town to Arbroath Abbey, with a link-in to Brockthock Bridge.
Redesigned junctions and crossings, making it safer and easier to walk, wheel and cycle.
As well as new seating and landscapes, improving the accessibility of public spaces and encourage safer walking, wheeling and cycling options throughout the town
Current traffic levels showed that large parts of the project could be achieved by repurposing parts of the A92 dual carriageway, which has long created a sense of division across Arbroath.
Working in tandem with the local community, the proposed designs were gradually enhanced, including the introduction of temporary trial measures in 2021 to help those living and working in the town get a feel for the project.
Celebrating strong partnership
Despite a persistent downpour outside the Signal Tower Museum, the first spade was determinedly dug in by Angus Council Leader Cllr Beth Whiteside.
Carole Patrick, Portfolio Director for Sustrans, was witness to the big moment.
“We’re overjoyed to see construction starting on this fantastic project. By delivering new cycle lanes, tree and wildflower planting, as well as paved seating areas in the town, people living and working in Arbroath will be able to walk, wheel and cycle safely, whilst also enjoying a more relaxed and attractive environment.”
Carole Patrick, Portfolio Director, Sustrans
Both were joined by Active Travel Spokesperson Cllr Serena Cowdy, as well as Contracts Manager for Balfour Beatty Keith McDonald and Project Manager for Balfour Beatty Tom Truesdale.
“Today’s milestone marks several years of consultation, planning and effort to create and see come to fruition, an ambitious project that will make Arbroath a more desirable place to live in, work in and to visit.”
Councillor Serena Cowdy, Active Travel Spokesperson, Angus Council
There’s a great deal to look forward to over the next year as the project truly starts to take shape, with construction the project is set to be complete by the end of 2025.
Two children look at a decorative metal barrier featuring phrases in the Caithness dialect. The barrier has replaced two existing barriers in order to improve accessibility for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and with buggies. Credit: Sustrans
A community has celebrated the installation of a series of durable, long-lasting interventions in their local area.
Among these are five brand-new artworks inspired by Wick’s rich heritage as well as the installation of benches and planters and removal of barriers to increase accessibility and enable more people to stop and enjoy the area.
Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council and The Highland Council successfully applied for Sustrans Scotland’s Pocket Places Programme funding to redesign some of the lanes leading to Wick High Street to make them feel safer, easier to navigate, and a better celebration of Wick’s unique heritage.
A Sustrans colleague discusses the Wick Lanes Pocket Places designs with residents at an event to mark completion of the project. Credit: Sustrans
Artworks bring area to life
Sustrans’ collaborative design process puts the people who use the space at the heart of designing solutions to local issues. Throughout the process, the project partners invited local residents, schools, groups and business owners to share their views and aspirations for the lanes at a series of engagement activities to ensure that the design meets the needs of those who use it the most.
In response to suggestions during early community engagement for heritage-inspired public artworks in the lanes, the project partners collaborated with Wick Society and commissioned local artists Hannah Cambridge and Aimee Lockwood to create five new artworks inspired by the town’s history and heritage. The artists conducted workshops to gather input from the community and local schools on specific elements from the Johnston Collection, held in trust by The Wick Society, and Wick’s built heritage.
Artworks in focus
Informed by this community collaboration, the artists translated these elements into exciting designs which are now on display. The artworks have been plasma-cut from weathering steel, a robust and long-lasting material that will stand as lasting testament to Wick’s rich heritage and long history.
Also known as COR-TEN steel, this architectural steel alloy is engineered to provide its own protection from the elements with an innovative formulation that weathers on the outside while the overall structure is protected. This layer of oxidation will age over the years for a distinctive look.
Aimee Lockwood’s artwork celebrates the fountain by the riverside and has been installed on Wares Lane where it joins Bridge Street. Credit: Sustrans
Installed on Wares Lane, this artwork by Aimee Lockwood celebrates the fountain by the riverside. Aimee said: “The fountain by the riverside was commissioned by the Wares family, who were tailors based on Wares Lane, so I liked the connection there!
“The riverside felt like a good place to showcase young people playing as it’s where the playpark is today, and I’ve included some natural elements because the wildlife is the star of the show in Caithness.”
This work by Hannah Cambridge has been installed on Wares Lane where it joins with Bridge Street.
Also installed on Wares Lane is a work by Hannah Cambridge and inspired by the traditional Herring Queen celebration. Hannah explained: “The celebration attracted up to 8,000 spectators in its heyday, was initiated in 1937 by a committee in Wick, aiming to lift spirits during a period of poor fishing.
“The Queen, chosen from those with herring industry ties, was crowned at Braehead and embarked upon a procession through the town and out to sea. The copper crown, symbolising Wick’s maritime history, featured the Ensign Armorial of Wick. After a hiatus from 1939 to 1949, the tradition continued until 1953, coinciding with the decline of herring fishing. The event evolved into the Gala Queen, a July procession that continues to this day.”
Elsewere on Wares Lane, decorative panels inspired by local knitting traditions will be installed to help improve refuse storage for local businesses.
Market Lane is now home to two works by local artist Aimee Lockwood. Credit: Sustrans
Two brand-new works by Aimee Lockwood have been installed on Market Lane where it joins with Market Square. The first makes a visual connection to the Alexander Bain pub.
Aimee explained: “The Alexander Bain pub was a post and telegram office so I’ve focused on that, with the bicycle messengers and including visual nods to the postal service and telegraph wires. I’ve also included some clocks and watchmaking imagery to reference Alexander Bain’s work as an inventor, as well as the watchmakers who used to work in the area.”
On the other artwork installed on Market Lane, Aimee said: “I wanted this one to be all about fun, so I’ve centred the playful leaping man and included some of the other entertaining characters from the Johnston Collection (there are so many photos of people dressed as clowns!)
“I also wanted to nod to the barrel and rope making industries (next to the pub feels fitting for the barrels) and included some seaweed for a bit of natural texture.”
Inspired by the ocean and its impact on the culture and people of Wick, this original artwork is by Hannah Cambridge. Credit: Hannah Cambridge
This original artwork by Hannah Cambridge has been installed at the bottom of Market Lane on Market Street.
Hannah said: “Inspired by the ocean and its impact on the culture and people of Wick, this work weaves together coastal landmarks, natural elements (the Northern Lights, the night sky, local wildlife, sea foam, and sunlight filtering through clouds), nods to traditional trades such as barrel and rope making, and the enduring legacy of the herring trade.”
Two people walk by the decorative metal barrier featuring phrases in the Caithness dialect, which has been installed on John Street. Credit: Sustrans
Also on John Street, the existing metal barriers have been removed and replaced with a decorative metal barrier featuring phrases in the Caithness dialect to improve accessibility for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and with buggies.
On Tolbooth Lane, a bench has been installed to provide a place for people to stop and and rest on the way up the hill.
How was the project delivered?
Wick Lanes Pocket Places began with a Co-Discover event in August 2023. The project partners worked with schools, groups and the wider community in Wick to identify barriers and opportunities to feed into design ideas for the lanes. People could share their ideas by completing a survey and/or joining an event.
Then, in November 2023, during the Co-Design phase and after analysing all the feedback we collected in the Co-Discover phase, the project partners brought this all together in a series of design ideas for the lanes. In November, these designs were brought back to the community and local access groups to see what worked and what needed to be changed. At this point, the community was invited to take part in workshops with the Wick Society and artists Hannah Cambridge and Aimee Lockwood to collaboratively create the heritage-themed artworks.
The brand-new artworks, as well as the final designs for the lanes were shown to the community in January 2024. And in March 2024, during the Co-Deliver phase, the project was installed and the community invited to an event to celebrate its conclusion.
Pictured with Hannah Cambridge’s artwork are, l-r, Royal Burgh of Wick Community Councillors Joanna Coghill and Allan Farquhar, Marion Eele, Project Lead, Co-Design, Sustrans Scotland, artist Hannah Cambridge and Thomas Parkin, Senior Urban Designer, Sustrans. Credit: Sustrans
Marion Eele, Project Lead, Co-Design, Sustrans Scotland:
“We are thrilled to see work complete on this exciting project delivered in partnership with the local community, Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council and The Highland Council.
“From the beginning of this project, the community told us they wanted to make the lanes feel safer, more inviting and accessible, as well as to see their heritage and historic character strengthened.
“The changes brought about by the local community will enable residents and visitors to the area to enjoy calm and vibrant spaces while celebrating the town’s rich heritage.
“Seeing the interventions come to life highlights the value of putting people at the heart of decisions on their local spaces.”
Project Lead Marion Eele
Cllr Richard Bremner, Highland Council Leader and Wick Ward Councillor
“This initiative is a small project that will help brighten the lane areas of the town. The funding for this is ring-fenced and, as such, will go to areas that bid to secure it. If we don’t bid, it will go somewhere else. It’s nice to see this project completed. Local folks were engaged from the start, engaging people who live and run businesses in Wick at the heart of the design-process.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has been involved, from coming to the first concept meetings, to taking part in the series of interactive workshops and consultation events. Their input has been key in the whole design process.
“The historic centre of our town will be made a more inviting and appealing place in a small way. It will improve the historic and heritage character of the lanes.”
Highland Council Leader and Wick Ward Councillor Richard Bremner
Allan Farquhar, Chair, Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council:
“Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council are delighted to partner with Highland Council and Sustrans in this initiative which will provide a starting point for the regeneration of our town centre.
“A phased transformation of the Lanes with anticipated spin off to other areas utilising street furniture, artworks and lighting designs sympathetic to our rich heritage and culture complement other development initiatives currently in planning stages by both Highland Council and local community groups.”
Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council Chair Allan Farquhar
Wick Lanes Pocket Places is supported by funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Pocket Places programme and delivered in partnership with The Highland Council and Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council.
On Wednesday 20th March, members of the local community and key delivery partners turned out in number to commemorate the close of construction on the CCWEL project in Edinburgh.
Stretching from Roseburn to Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End, CCWEL provides a safe and direct segregated route through the heart of the city centre, as well as significantly enhancing streets for those walking, wheeling and spending time there.
Local primary school pupils took part in a group ride from Old Colt Bridge to Haymarket to test out the route, arriving at Haymarket in time to take part in the festivities.
Music to welcome the group ride was performed by St Mary’s Music School pupils and a range of fun activities, including cargo bike trials, were on offer for all those who attended.
Shortly after lunchtime, a ribbon to mark the official opening of the route was cut to usher the new city centre route into being.
Following an extensive consultation process beginning in 2016, the input of residents and local businesses helped shape the designs put forward by Sustrans and Edinburgh City Council, and construction got firmly underway on CCWEL in early 2022.
With works carried out by Balfour Beatty, CCWEL has set a benchmark for how safe and accessible walking, wheeling and cycling can be delivered amongst within bustling urban centre such as Edinburgh. The first of its kind to be complete in Scotland, CCWEL delivers a 3.6km bidirectional cycle route to better connect Roseburn with Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End.
For the vast majority of the journey, cyclists are protected from heavy traffic flows through a segregated design, meaning vulnerable and less confident cyclists will be able to use the new paths in safety and ease.
CCWEL hasn’t just delivered new routes for cyclists, however. Improved crossings, footways, and street surfacing have also been introduced as part of the scheme, as well as street greening initiatives and additional seating areas for people to relax and enjoy.
The opening comes just a day after the launch of the 2023 Walking and Cycling Index report in the capital, which includes amongst its findings that almost 50% of residents in Edinburgh want to walk, wheel and cycle more.
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director for Sustrans, was delighted to see the new route completed.
“The City Centre West to East Link is an absolute game-changer within the world of active travel. For the first time ever in Scotland, we’ve delivered a fully segregated walking, wheeling and cycling connection that cuts through the heart of a major city centre. In doing so, this fantastic new route gives the people of Edinburgh a safe and accessible driving alternative, allowing people to get to where they want, how they want, regardless of age or ability.”
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director, Sustrans
Councillor Scott Arthur, who joined the group ride from Roseburn to Haymarket, said:
“Today we celebrated a major development for walking, wheeling and cycling in the Capital, with the completion of CCWEL. This major scheme is not only one of the largest pieces of active travel infrastructure delivered in Edinburgh, but it has transformed spaces along the route for the use and enjoyment of people who live, visit and work here.”
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, City of Edinburgh Council
In total, £23m was invested in the design and construction of the CCWEL route.
Of this, £14.8m was awarded from Transport Scotland through Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme, with the additional funding from the Scottish Government and the Council’s transport budget.
Going forward, CCWEL will link up with the George Street and First New Town and Meadows to George Street project, which aim to deliver improved walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure across the Edinburgh city centre and enhance high-traffic public spaces for generations to come.
The project also neatly connects with the Roseburn to Union Canal project, which is set to finish construction in Summer 2024.
On 12 January 2024, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the start of construction on the ambitious £22.68 million project to upgrade and improve Aurs Road in East Renfrewshire.
The project will not only create a safer, more direct local route between Barrhead and Newton Mearns by straightening out the carriageway and replacing a weak road bridge, it will also open up all new possibilities for walking, wheeling and cycling.
£8.19 million of funding provided by Places for Everyone will deliver a new 2km active travel route between the two adjacent communities, as well as an impressive 700m waterside promenade overlooking Balgray Reservoir.
As a result of the project, residents and visitors will now be able to make safer, healthier and more sustainable everyday journeys between Barrhead and Newton Mearns.
The new waterside promenade also offers the communities an accessible space to relax or meet up with friends and family.
Further plans as part of the wider Aurs Road project include a new 4km circular route around the perimeter of Balgray Reservoir, providing unprecedented access to Dams and Darnley Country Park.
Once complete, a new accessible waterside promenade will offer people a place to relax, socialise and enjoy the scenery of Balgray Reservoir. Credit: East Renfrewshire Council
Making connections outside of the city
Often, outside of our city and town centres, a lack of safe and accessible walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure and patchy public transport links can leave communities feeling disconnected.
For households without access to a car, it also means that reaching essential, everyday destinations like their places of work, shops or health services can be difficult.
We’ve already seen the value that new walking, wheeling and cycling connections can deliver to smaller communities through Places for Everyone projects like the completed in partnership with Scottish Borders Council in 2023.
The Balgray Active Travel Links project is another clear example of how Local Authority ambition can boost independence and choice in how communities get around, whilst also forging new links and connections.
With a combined population of almost 50,000 people, the potential impact on local travel habits throughout Barrhead and Newton Mearns can’t be overstated.
The project aims to transform journeys between Barrhead and Newton Mearns by straightening Aurs Road and building a new walking, wheeling and cycling route alongside Balgray Reservoir. Credit: East Renfrewshire Council
Partnered in community celebration
In truly frosty conditions, representatives of the project delivery teams gathered alongside Aurs Road to formally inaugurate the construction.
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director for Sustrans, shared her thoughts:
“Improving active travel links between communities outside of our cities is vital.”
“This project does exactly that by delivering an accessible and direct walking, wheeling and cycling link between Barrhead and Newton Mearns for residents and visitors alike.”
“We’re absolutely delighted to see work now starting on this project and grateful to all those who have taken part in making it a success.”
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director, Sustrans
East Renfrewshire Council Leader Owen O’Donnell added:
“Since announcing our plans for transforming Aurs Road, we’ve had a fantastic response from residents who are excited about the delivery of a much needed improved and straightened road with active travel link.”
Owen O’Donnell, Leader, East Renfrewshire Council
Signed diversion routes are in place via Stewarton Road, Nitshill Road and Darnley Road.
Funding for the wider £22.68 million Aurs Road project was received from the Glasgow City Region City Deal, made up of funding from the UK and Scottish Government and East Renfrewshire Council, the Scottish Government’s Bridge Fund, and developer contributions from new house building projects in the area.
£8.19 million was received for the Balgray Active Travel Links project through the Places for Everyone fund, which is backed by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans.
Increasing the pace and scale of delivery of active travel infrastructure across Scotland has brought about a major period of transition for both Sustrans and Places for Everyone.
As previously communicated in November 2023, only Local Authorities, Regional Transport Partnerships and National Parks are currently eligible to apply for new Concept (Stages 0-2) funding awards. Existing community groups can still apply for Design (Stages 3-4) funding if they have completed stage 2, applications for which will reopen on 20th March 2024.
Further to this, as Places for Everyone develops greater alignment with Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF), the Places for Everyone programme will be drawing to a close by December 2025.
Whilst we recognise this will be disappointing, in order to ensure that existing community-led group projects are able to reach key milestones and successfully deliver through to construction, we want to identify and support all projects with your routes to delivery, supporting or facilitating discussions with relevant third parties where appropriate.
Routes to delivery
In the financial year 2024-25 Sustrans will continue to fund and manage Concept (Stages 0-2) to Design (Stages 3-4) stages. Projects with existing awards will continue until the end of your current legal agreement, end of stage where you are able to apply for this and secure a funding award, or until September 2025.
Existing community groups and organisations other than Local Authorities, Regional Transport Partnerships and National Park Authorities will be eligible to request new Construction (stages 5-7) funding via Places for Everyone during 2024/25 provided delivery can be complete by September 2025. Construction (stages 5-7) funding decisions will be made on the basis of yet to be scheduled Extraordinary Decision Making Panels.
Actions for community groups
If your project is working towards completion of Design (Stage 4) with a view to requesting Construction (Stages -5-7) funding, please discuss this with your Grant Advisor and submit an outline request expressing interest for Construction (Stages 5-7) funding indicating the timing and amount by email to PlacesForEveryone@Sustrans.org.uk.
Please also ensure to confirm when you expect to submit your final Design (Stage 4) deliverables for review so we can identify your route to delivery and anticipate funding demands and the timing of this. Requests for Construction (Stages 5-7) funding will need to demonstrate assured completion by September 2025. Construction (Stages 5-7) requests are required by deadline of 29th April 2024.
We want to thank our community group partners during this uncertain period, and to reiterate that the Places for Everyone team remains able to support projects that can complete design stages or construction by September 2025. Community-led projects occupy a unique and vital role within the active travel delivery landscape. We encourage community group partners to continue working with local authorities to discuss your route to delivery to see your ambitions progressed.
Public spaces, such as streets, town squares and parks, are a key feature in teenagers’ everyday lives.
It’s somewhere they can socialise, foster a sense of identity and self-value, and connect with their community.
But despite this they are often overlooked in conversations about the design of our villages, towns and cities.
Earlier this year, A Place in Childhood (APiC) published a report – commissioned by Sustrans Scotland – which explores how to effectively involve teenagers in placemaking projects.
The research also explored how we can meet the needs of young people through infrastructure and behaviour change work more widely.
But what does this mean in practice? And how are these learnings going to help us create healthier, happier, and more representative neighbourhoods across Scotland?
What is the Teenagers and Public Space Report?
APiC engage young Scots in projects that seek to create more inclusive policies, services and environments.
146 people aged 12-18, across communities in Huntly (Aberdeenshire), Denny (Falkirk), and North Edinburgh were involved with the study.
Those involved took researchers on tours of the places they lived and explained what they liked as well as what could be improved in the area.
A group of young people using busy public space in Glasgow city centre. Credit: Sustrans, 2023.
What did the research set out to explore?
We know a lot about what teenagers need from public space: shelter from poor weather, places to socialise and study and opportunities for physical activity.
What the needs of teenagers within specific communities in Scotland are, and how Sustrans infrastructure and placemaking activities can serve them.
What the difference is in terms of need between teenagers of differing UK protected characteristics – specifically, the age and gender differences.
What the most appropriate methods of engagement are with teenagers on infrastructure and placemaking projects.
How practitioners can mediate and balance potential conflicts within a community between the needs of teenagers and other groups.
Teenagers using a crossing on a segregated cycle route in Broughty Ferry. Credit: Sustrans, 2023.
What were the key findings?
The research found that anti-social behaviour (ASB) is the biggest problem influencing how teenagers interact with public space.
The young people we spoke to explained that despite it being a minority who are responsible for such behaviour, people their age are often all stereotyped in the same way.
They were keen to point out that it is in fact teenagers themselves that are most affected by ASB – both from their peers and adults.
APiC also recommended that extra attention needs to be paid to the needs of girls, ethnic minorities, disabled young people and those with other protected characteristics.
For example, teenage girls don’t feel safe going out in some communities, unless they are in groups, and will sometimes travel further from home just to spend time with their friends.
Finally, the study emphasised the importance of access to destinations such as natural spaces, affordable sports and leisure facilities, clubs and places to play.
However, it also showed that litter and vandalism in these areas upsets teenagers – even those who are responsible for it.
There is a feeling among these young people that if no one else is taking care of a place, why should they?
Teenage boy skateboards in Orkney’s newest public space – Papdale Park, Kirkwall. Credit: Sustrans, 2023.
What can we learn from this?
Active travel infrastructure and placemaking projects need to better engage and support teenagers.
The young people we spoke to were clear – meaningfully involving people their age in the design of public spaces and strategies for addressing ASB will help alleviate all of these issues.
By giving teenagers a seat at the table we will not only improve decision-making, but also serve to ease intergenerational tension.
This will, in turn, boost awareness of what it’s like to be a young person today.
Taking action
Listening and working in partnership to deliver on the needs and aspirations of often overlooked groups, like the young people featured in this research, can help create spaces which work for everyone.
This is essential if we want to successfully deliver inclusive and positive change in our public spaces.
Since the publication of the report, Sustrans have continued to work with APiC to support this important work across Scotland.
For example, the City of Edinburgh Council recently commissioned APiC to consult students at schools in Portobello and Craigmillar to find out their priorities for and barriers to using public space.
This will feed into wider Places for Everyone projects being delivered in these areas, with plans to keep the pupils involved as proposals develop.
Young jogger runs across Stockingfield Bridge – a project which has created a new public greenspace in Glasgow. Credit: Sustrans, 2023.
Several information sessions and workshops have been held this year involving Sustrans’ engagement teams and partners, creating a platform to discuss the research and share examples of best practice.
A framework for including children and young people in active travel infrastructure projects is also being created.
This is due to be published and shared in spring 2024.
The Research and Monitoring Unit (RMU) at Sustrans have now published their report on the impact of the Places for Everyone programme, based on evaluation undertaken in the 2021-22 period.
Analysing data taken from 30 different projects across the history of the programme, and five case studies evaluated during 2021-22, the findings demonstrate how the Places for Everyone programme is continuing to deliver safer and more accessible walking, wheeling, and cycling opportunities across Scotland.
Following improvements to Lower Granton Road, 97% of users said that the path felt safe during the day with 89% agreeing the route felt safe with regard to motor traffic. Credit: Colin Hattersley/Sustrans, 2018.
The five new project case studies featured within the 2021-22 report include path improvements introduced along Lower Granton Road in Edinburgh, as well as an evaluation of the Lochindaal Way, a new traffic-free active travel route connecting two rural Islay communities.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery and subsequent monitoring of Places for Everyone projects, the scope and focus of the 2021-22 report was strategically altered to prioritise case study evaluation.
Nonetheless, these results clearly show the value Places for Everyone projects have brought to local communities across the country and how the programme is delivering on Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Outcomes.
All cyclists interviewed and most of pedestrians felt either safe or very safe when using the protected junctions on the South City Way. Credit: McAteer/Sustrans, 2023.
To read the Places for Everyone 2021-22 Infrastructure Impact Summary Report, click on either of the links below:
To receive further information and access to the full Places for Everyone 2021-22 Infrastructure Impact Report please contact rory.mitchell@sustrans.org.uk
Making it easier and safer for people to travel actively is vital for increasing the number of everyday walking, wheeling, and cycling journeys.
This means ensuring that everyone, including those groups that are most vulnerable on the road, are adequately protected.
For example, children and young people.
Places for Everyone is working with partners across Scotland to ensure that the routes we deliver are accessible and intuitive for all ages and abilities.
The Walk Cycle Live Stirling project is an excellent example of how bold yet careful designs can be used to prioritise the needs of young Scots.
Routes to success
As the main connecting route between the city centre and university, Causewayhead has massively benefitted from accessible cycling infrastructure. Copyright: Sustrans, 2023.
Children and young people regularly make essential active journeys as part of their everyday lives.
From going to and from school to seeing friends and family, walking wheeling and cycling are the earliest available modes which allow children and young people to travel independently.
Currently under construction, the £9.5m Stirling project will soon deliver an extensive network of new walking, wheeling, and cycling links across the city.
This will not only facilitate more active journeys between residential areas, transport hubs, as well as retail and hospitality venues but also key destinations for education and learning.
Traffic-calming measures and landscaping improvements have made Albert Place a more welcoming and enjoyable place for all ages. Copyright: Sustrans, 2023.
Delivered in partnership with Stirling Council, Walk Cycle Live Stirling proposes to create two major routes:
Route one, dubbed the University route, will provide a safe and accessible route between Stirling Train station and the University of Stirling, taking in iconic landmarks like Old Stirling Bridge and the National Wallace Monument along the way.
Route two, the College Route, aims to bridge the gaps between Forth Valley College and the City Centre along Albert Place, Dumbarton Road and Raploch Road, passing under the impressive shadow of Stirling Castle.
The new segregated cycle lane along Dumbarton road helps keep young people safe from heavy traffic and encourages active journeys to and from Forth Valley College. Copyright: Sustrans, 2023.
Each of these strategic corridors has been designed to be largely segregated from the traffic via physical barriers, providing comfort and reassurance for all users.
Generational change
Healthier than other modes, travelling by bike is also often cheaper more affordable than public transport and private vehicle use.
Factors such as these are ones which young adults, in particular, benefit from.
Alex Avallone, a recent graduate from the University of Stirling, shared their thoughts on what the project could mean for current and prospective students in the years to come:
“I didn’t cycle when I was studying, mostly because the roads were too busy and I didn’t feel confident doing so. I took the bus or walked. Now, I hope a lot of people will think twice and choose to cycle instead”
Alex Avallone, Graduate, The University of Stirling
Katherine Henebry, Senior Grant Advisor at Sustrans, has been working on Walk Cycle Live Stirling throughout its construction, and has high hopes for its grand opening:
“After completion, children and young people can safely travel independently along two key corridors in Stirling. These routes are a new start for foundational memories to be made – on the journey to school, as well as in the broader exploration of their hometown’s rich history and environment. We’re so proud to have worked with Stirling Council to make these journeys a reality”
Katherine Henebry, Senior Grant Advisor, Sustrans
Due be complete by Summer 2024, Walk Cycle Live Stirling is set to connect communities in the city and surrounding areas through active travel in a major way. This will be particularly transformative for children and young people.
The project received £7.1m in funding from Places for Everyone, as well as £2.5m of Scottish Government investment from the City Region Deal and £258k from Stirling Council’s developer contributions allocation.
