An allocation of £7.21 million of the overall total has been provided through the European Regional Development Fund to help establish 10 new innovative active travel and low carbon transport hubs or projects.

Local authorities and community groups will benefit from projects which respond to the global climate emergency and allow more people to enjoy greener and more sustainable transport options.

Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, said: “Our Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund is responding to the global climate emergency and helping to support Scotland’s green recovery from COVID-19. I’m pleased that a further 10 projects across the country will developed through this fund, with money from the European Regional Development Fund and the Scottish Government.

“These exciting projects will join other low carbon and active travel initiatives that have been very much welcomed by communities through the Challenge Fund. The Falkirk Low Carbon Vehicle Hub, which uses renewable energy to charge electric vehicles, is a prime example of what can be made possible through this programme.

“These projects will support our Programme for Government commitment to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032, whilst helping us to build an Active Nation and make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.”

In this third round of the Challenge Fund, The Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust has secured over £593,000 for the Gateway to Gigha project. The project will deliver construction and the upgrading of path networks spanning 8km across the isle of Gigha, interlinking sites of interest and importance.

New bikes and e-bikes will be available to hire next to the ferry slip to reduce the need for private cars. The project will also include a newly created Island Ranger position which aims to encourage and promote the sustainable use and protection of Gigha’s landscape and assets, including through sustainable travel.

Jane Millar, business development manager for the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust, added: “With thanks to the support from the European Regional Development Fund and the Scottish Government, Gigha will become more accessible. By improving our foot and cycle path network, and providing more information, we aim to reduce the number of car-borne visitors to Gigha and ensure that our visitors and residents know more about our environment, landscape and assets, and how best to protect them.”

Tim Anderson, head of transport at Energy Saving Trust, commented: “The range of projects across Scotland, including the ten new projects receiving the £9.46 million in funding from the third round of the Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund, will benefit and provide local communities with greater and easier access to active travel and low carbon transport hubs and paths. We look forward to working with the public and third sector organisations, supporting them to achieve the promising potential of the projects.”