People with disabilities who want access to the great outdoors are being offered some “off-road” experience at Glenmore Forest Park, near Aviemore.

Two special mobility scooters suitable for forest tracks are now available for hire free of charge from the Glenmore Visitor Centre, thanks to support from Forestry Commission Scotland, which manages the Forest Park, and the former Cairngorms Partnership.

Financial support worth £10,000 was awarded to the project by the Cairngorms Partnership, matched by the Commission, and allowed the Badenoch & Strathspey Community Transport Company (BSCTC) to buy the all-terrain electronic buggies and provide running costs for the next three years. The buggies will be based permanently at Glenmore and can be used on specially upgraded routes within the Forest Park.

A Highland Disabled Ramblers outing at Glenmore Forest Park today (Tuesday 24 August) marked the launched of the new Glenmore Scooter Scheme.

Willie MacKenna, a Cairngorms National Park Authority board member, handed the scooter keys over to Maggie Lawson from BSCTC and David Jardine of the Commission at today's launch.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr MacKenna said:

“The Cairngorms Partnership carried out an all-abilities access survey in 2001, which showed us that access by wheelchairs or scooters can prove very difficult in many areas, but by taking simple measures, such as upgrading routes, removing narrow bridges and avoiding steep slopes, access to the outdoors can be enjoyed by everyone, whatever their ability.

“This particular project represents the last grant awarded by the Cairngorms Partnership before the park authority came into being, and I am sure everyone will agree that it is an important contribution to the Paths For All agenda and a fitting tribute to the work of the partnership.”

Forestry staff carried out several improvements to tracks in Glenmore Forest Park to allow for access by the buggies. They were helped to dismantle a narrow bridge by Aberdeen staff of energy services company BP, which is supporting native woodland projects around Scotland through the Scottish Forest Alliance.

The Commission’s Inverness District Manager David Jardine said:

“We are delighted that this partnership working has enabled the new scooters to be provided and for progress to be made in removing some of the obstacles to access within the Forest Park. We are also very pleased to have the Highland Disabled Ramblers group with us today to help launch the Glenmore Scooter Scheme.”

The BSCTC was set up in 1998 and provides community transport, using volunteers in their own cars, to help those who are unable to use public transport or have no transport of their own. Maggie Lawson, Rural Transport Officer for the BSCTC said:

“We are very pleased to be working on this project in partnership with the Commission. It is a development of our existing buggy project in Aviemore, and will enable people with mobility problems to get out and about in the park.”

For more details on the Glenmore Scooter Scheme or to hire a mobility buggy telephone the BSCTC on 01479 810004 or the Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre on 01479 861220.

NOTES TO EDITOR:

1. Colour photographs are available free to accompany this release. Please contact Karen Powell at the CNPA press office on tel: 01479 870534.
2. The activities started by the Cairngorms Partnership were taken over by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) when it was established last year. The Cairngorms National Park is the UK’s largest national park at 1,467 sq miles. The CNPA was set up by the Scottish Parliament to ensure that the unique aspects of the Cairngorms - both the natural environment and the local communities - are cared for, sustained and enhanced for current and future generations to enjoy. The CNPA is designed to be an "enabling" organisation, promoting partnership and giving leadership to all those involved in the Cairngorms.
3. Through the Scottish Forest Alliance, BP has pledged £10 million over 10 years to help Forestry Commission Scotland, the Woodland Trust Scotland and RSPB Scotland to regenerate 10,000 hectares of native woodland at, currently, 10 sites around Scotland, including Glenmore Forest Park. The project also promotes biodiversity, community involvement and the aims of carbon sequestration. For more information visit www.scottishforestalliance.org.uk
4. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive’s forestry department.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

• CNPA - Karen Powell, Press Officer, 01479 870534;
• Forestry Commission Scotland - Charlton Clark, press officer, 0131 3146507; mob: 07810 181067; or David Jardine, Inverness District Manager; 01463 791575;
• Badenoch & Strathspey Community Transport Company - Maggie Lawson, 01479 810004.