Cycling Santa celebrations down by the riverside

Passers-by on the Riverside Way in Inverness might have noticed Santa making an early visit to the city, on an electric cargo bike rather than with the traditional sleigh and reindeer. He was ably assisted by Emily Williams, Inverness's Bicycle Mayor as he joined pupils from Bishop Eden and Central primary schools, local councillors and staff from Highand Council, contractors Wills Brothers and Sustrans to celebrate the official opening of the Riverside Way walking, wheeling and cycling route.

Riverside Way is a scenic route for local residents, visitors, and commuters and links to many leisure and cultural destinations such as the Caledonian Canal, Inverness Leisure, Eden Court, the RNI, Bught Park, Whin Park, the Archive Centre, the Botanic Gardens, Ness Hydro and more.

City Leader Councillor Ian Brown said: "I'm delighted to welcome Santa, pupils, and others today to celebrate the huge improvement to this popular route. Riverside Way actually opened a few months ago, as many people will be aware, and feedback so far has been really positive. At any time of day there are people walking, wheeling and cycling and there's lots of stopping to take photos especially with these lovely autumn colours."

Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee added: "We're delighted to see the success of Riverside Way, to add to the other improvements delivered through the Inverness City Active Travel Network: the Raigmore Active Travel Link, the Raigmore Bus Gate and Torvean Mobility Hub."

Jonathan Wills from Wills Brothers, the main contractors for the projects, commented: "We are proud to have delivered the Riverside Way active travel route, which enhances local connectivity and accessibility. We thank residents and businesses for their patience and cooperation during construction. Engaging with organisations near the site, such as the Men's Shed in Inverness, local primary schools, Incredible Edible, the Highland Hospice, and CECA Academy students from UHI, has provided a rewarding sense of community collaboration."

Carole Patrick, Portfolio Director, at Sustrans Scotland, added: "The Riverside Way is making it easier and safer for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle in Inverness. By providing a direct and accessible route along Ness Walk and Bught Road, the project has not only helped create a scenic leisure route for residents, visitors, and commuters but also a key connection into the city centre.

"We're delighted that the works have also provided the opportunity to realign National Cycle Network Route 78, improving the connection for people wishing to travel further and access greenspaces and attractions throughout the Highlands.

"We hope that this, alongside the wider work on the Active Travel Network, in and around Inverness, will encourage more people to make heathier and more sustainable choices for their everyday journeys".

The project was delivered by The Highland Council with £2.5 million funding from the Scottish Government, administered through Sustrans Scotland's Places for Everyone programme.