A new collection of maps, detailing cycle routes and walking paths, are being distributed to groups and businesses in a north-east town.
Peterhead locals and visitors will have access to Aberdeenshire Council’s Walk it, Bike it, Try it maps in shops and facilities such as the library.
These were produced from the council project to develop Peterhead into a pilot cycling demonstration town and aim to promote active travel.
They will also fill an apparent gap in the market, because Councillor Alan Fakley discovered a few weeks ago that he could not purchase a map in the town centre.
He said: “I was surprised not being able to find a street map in Peterhead.
“I was more frustrated that I had taken the decision to enjoy the sun and walk into the town centre only to be advised by a town centre business that I should try to get one online.
“The lack of maps may be due to map apps, but shops have street maps of Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
“Another reason is the demise of the tourist office.”
Mr Fakley is supportive of the items which were funded by Sustrans and Paths for All, after £1million was invested in to creating over 20km of walking and cycling paths around Peterhead during the last decade.
Mr Fakley said: “I’m heartened to see Aberdeenshire Council supplying cycling maps for Peterhead.
“Peterhead has placed cycling as one of its sporting priorities with a large number of cycle ways in and around the town.
“These maps will be of great benefit for both locals and visitors in exploring the town and the surrounding countryside.”
Councillor Stephen Calder is also supportive of the scheme.
He added: “I’m old fashioned and I like things you can look at on paper.
“People have been asking about maps and have been picking up Town Tours ones from the library.
“I wish we had a tourist office in Peterhead, even part of another business, but it will be good to have hard copies of these around the town.”
The Cycling Demonstration Town project is almost complete and will help the council carry out the Integrated Travel Town project, which aims to improve sustainable travel across Aberdeenshire towns.
Cycling and walking route maps for other north-east towns are available on the council website.
