Dumfries And Galloway Shift Up A Gear

Environment Minister Michael Russell announced a major boost to mountain biking in southern Scotland today (Thursday August 2) during a visit to Ae forest. The Minister visited Ae to view new trails which will shortly be opened thanks to a £400,000 investment from Forestry Commission Scotland and its public and private sector partners in the 7stanes mountain bike project. The cash injection has helped build a 4km green trail and will create a 6km blue trail, a 3km extension to the red trail, a 1.5km new downhill skills area which will cater for those wishing to learn downhill skills. The downhill skills area will be the longest downhill entry level trail in Scotland. (see notes to editors for grading information on the trails) The investment will also develop an Ae 7stanes centre featuring a mountain bike shop, cafe, showers and toilets. The cafe will cater for all visitors to Ae Forest and will create local business opportunities. Building on Scotland's success as a world class destination for mountain biking, Mr Russell also revealed that Dumfries has beaten off stiff competition to host the World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability in September 2008 - which will bring around £1.3 million to the local and Scottish economy. Environment Minister, Michael Russell said: "Through the 7stanes project, Forestry Commission Scotland and its partners has created a mecca for mountain bikers in the south of Scotland, creating first-class trails and providing quality infrastructure and services that attract new visitors. I am delighted to open the family trail here today which will appeal to both families and people new to mountain biking. The improved facilities will attract many more people to the area and provide a boost for the local economy. "Scotland is recognised as one of the world's premier mountain biking destinations and is also a top conference destination. We have the opportunity now to merge the two and enhance the nation's profile on an international level. The World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability will bring many spin-offs for the local community and economy." The conference - which focuses on sustainability - is the first time the conference has been held outside Canada and it is expected that around 400 delegates will attend. A number of local partners are working together on the conference which is being led by Forestry Commission Scotland, Crichton Development Company, and Shore Events in Vancouver. Bill Coombes, District Forester at Ae, said: "We are keen to bring mountain biking to as many people as possible and to make sure that local communities and the Dumfries and Galloway economy benefits from the influx of visitors. "Phase 2 of the 7stanes is designed to encourage families and beginners into the sport and the new trails here support that. We hope that by creating these additional facilities at Ae that even more visitors will be encourage to visit Dumfries and Galloway, providing an additional tourism boost to the area." www.forestry.gov.uk