NEAT Industry Event 2024 Report
Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire adventure industry gather to reflect on 2023 and look forward to 2024 and beyond
Official launch of new £1.1m Mountain Bike Trail Centre for Aberdeenshire, Scotland
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Tarland Trails Pittenderich project supports region’s ambition to be a leading adventure tourism destination.
Investment of £1.1m into North East Scotland’s mountain biking facilities has led to the community led Tarland Trails Pittenderich facility on the outskirts of the Deeside village.
This landmark facility for Aberdeenshire will not only cater for the growing local cycling community but also act as a significant economic boost to the region as a premier tourism attraction. The project, led by Tarland Development Group, provides a purpose-built range of mountain biking trails catering to riders of all levels. Investment including £350k from Scottish Enterprise and £300k from sportscotland’s Cycling Facilities Fund, alongside £250k from Just Transition were all secured as a result of a collaborative approach between the local group, North East Adventure Tourism, Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, Opportunity North East, Aberdeenshire Council, and Scottish Enterprise.
The full funding profile has been complemented by fundraising through Tarland Development Group along with generous local business and private donations.
Following the devastating effects of storms and weather events across Aberdeenshire in winter 2021/22 which followed the Coronavirus pandemic the North East Adventure Tourism Project partners recognised the economic and community benefits such a development could bring to the region. There are a growing number of businesses benefitting from Aberdeenshire’s growing MTB and adventure tourism offering through jobs in the supply chain including bike shops, event organisers, accommodation providers, restaurants and cafes. The investment is a key step towards delivering the region’s ambition to be a destination of choice for the fast-growing adventure tourism market and will also help grow participation supporting clubs to develop future mountain biking athletes and lifelong participants in activity.
The full funding profile has been complemented by fundraising through Tarland Development Group along with generous local business and private donations.
Following the devastating effects of storms and weather events across Aberdeenshire in winter 2021/22 which followed the Coronavirus pandemic the North East Adventure Tourism Project partners recognised the economic and community benefits such a development could bring to the region. There are a growing number of businesses benefitting from Aberdeenshire’s growing MTB and adventure tourism offering through jobs in the supply chain including bike shops, event organisers, accommodation providers, restaurants and cafes. The investment is a key step towards delivering the region’s ambition to be a destination of choice for the fast-growing adventure tourism market and will also help grow participation supporting clubs to develop future mountain biking athletes and lifelong participants in activity.
Aberdeenshire’s mountain biking scene has been on a steady rise over the past few years boasting an amazing natural trail network, an enthusiastic and welcoming riding community, creative and adaptable local bike businesses, a thriving race and event scene, and recent winners of IMBA Europe’s Protect and Preserve Award, Aberdeenshire Trail Association.
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