An extensive network of dedicated cycling routes has been officially launched at Aberdeenshire’s biggest town.
More than 11 miles of new pathways have been created across Peterhead to encourage residents to take on healthier lifestyles.
The £400,000 project was started in 2008, but was delayed by prolonged negotiations over a 1,760ft stretch on the town’s ring road.
Aberdeenshire Council, which is leading the cycling campaign, was at loggerheads with a third party with an interest in the land for several years.
A compromise was finally reached in 2012 and work began on the area, known as the missing link, at the end of last year.
With the outstanding gap finally plugged, the Peterhead cycle way has now been officially opened by provost Jill Webster.
She said: “It’s a real pleasure to see people being active and enjoying these facilities. Knowing that we are putting in place infrastructure and facilities that will support many generations to come, particularly in light of the environmental and health issues we hear about on a daily basis, makes me extremely proud.”
Peterhead was previously named Scotland’s first Cycle Demonstration Town, an achievement which was recognised at last year’s Scottish Transport Awards.
Transport minister Keith Brown said yesterday: “The new shared path around Peterhead will benefit the local community and help to meet the demand for cycling and walking infrastructure.”
Peterhead councillor Stephen Smith, who campaigned for the missing link to be finished, said: “The route was supposed to have been completed as part of a planning condition for a local development, but this didn’t come to fruition.
“I am pleased that the council have acted on local demand to pull together various agencies and secure funding for this scheme.”