Revised 7stanes site goes live

Forestry Commission Scotland's 7stanes website and trail leaflets have had a makeover to bring the branding in line with the second phase of the project, which aims to encourage families and beginners into the sport. Since the first purpose built trail on the 7stanes opened in May 2003 at Dalbeattie, Scotland has gained a reputation as a world class mountain biking destination and has hosted the Mountain Bike World Cup since 2002. The 7stanes trails have evolved to reflect the growth of the sport, with new singletrack sections and features added to each centre over the years. Phase 2 of the project looks to widen the appeal of mountain biking and the website is one way to do this. The new look website has a contemporary look. It contains up-to-date information and trail descriptions to help people choose which stane to visit, comprehensive directions and maps, improved links to weather sites, a glossary of terms to help people who are new to mountain biking get started. Colin Williamson, 7stanes project manager, said: "Work is moving fast on the construction of new trails and infrastructure to support the second phase of the 7stanes which will help attractive new people to this growing sport. "It is important to keep everyone as up to date as possible on what they can expect if they visit any of the stanes. The website is an ideal way to do this as it contains so much information - not only on the trail, but on local services and facilities. "The new leaflet for circulation in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders allows us to involve local communities and businesses in promoting awareness of all the 7stanes centres and is a useful reference for current trail facts and figures." The web site is still accessed at www.7stanes.gov.uk One generic leaflet containing information on the trails and facilities will replace the individual leaflets and make it much easier to find out information on the other 7stanes. The 7stanes project is being managed by Forestry Commission Scotland with partners Scottish Enterprise Dumfries & Galloway, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Enterprise Borders, Scottish Borders Council, Solway Heritage, Scottish Power and Visit Scotland. The Scottish Association for Mental Health has also been supporting the project. The project receives half of its funding from Europe. For more information on Forestry Commission Scotland's mountain bike trails visit www.forestry.gov.uk/mtbscotland www.7stanes.gov.uk