RED HOT AND ROCKING - THE BLACK ISLE OPENS NEW MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

Bikers on the Black Isle today (25 March 2006) welcomed the official opening of the new Learnie Red Rock trails - some of the hottest new mountain bike trails in the Highlands.

The network of trails, located in the heart of Learnie Forest, offer challenging routes for beginners through to the most experienced of riders.  There are also purpose built 'dirt jump' and 'fun park' areas to entertain the adventurous. 

The 'Red Rock' title comes from the dynamic ancient rock on which the trails are built which date back over 1 billion years.  The rock's distinctive reddish colour is visible across the trail network and provides the ideal, solid base for year-round use.  Accompanied by the breathtaking coastal views to be found from vantage points around the forest, visitors are to be treated to an outstanding combination of sport, history and wildlife at Learnie.

Like the historic rock formation, mountain biking in Learnie Forest is not a new phenomenon - just slightly younger.  For several years the charms of the forest and its close proximity to Inverness, have attracted mountain bikers and members of the Highland Mountain Biking Association (HiMBA).  As the location grew in popularity at the turn of the century, HiMBA members started to established some specific tracks and obstacles to keep them amused for hours.  Forestry Commission Scotland, however, recognised the group's passion for the sport in the forest and started discussions with its members to see how the two organisations could work together to establish sustainable, purpose-built tracks that would meet international health and safety standards and deliver the recreational needs of the bikers.  The result of their labours and around £200,000 of investment from a range of funding partners (see note to editors), in addition to the overwhelming commitment and support of the local community is the 'Learnie Red Rock Trails'.

Alan Stevenson, Recreation & Tourism Manager, Forestry Commission Scotland, stated;

"Projects like this depend heavily on the support of funding partners, local communities and businesses to be successful.  Given the overwhelming support Forestry Commission Scotland has received in the development of the Learnie Red Rock trails, I am confident these trails will grow to become even more popular with local mountain bikers and encourage young and old to venture to the forest for recreation.

"Mountain biking in the national forest estate throughout Scotland is growing in stature and we recently were given global recognition by the International Mountain Biking Association as the place to ride outside North America.  Such recognition can only enhance our reputation and attract even more people to Scotland's forests and trails.

"I'm thrilled by what's been achieved here on the Black Isle and am very optimistic that with the establishment of these trails, mountain bikers along with many other users of the forest will be able to enjoy them for many years to come."

Scott Armstrong, Area Director, VisitScotland Highland, officially opened the trails stating;

"I'm delighted to see this new facility opening, particularly in view of the burgeoning success of mountain biking in Scotland.  This will be great asset to the Black Isle and I feel sure that it will play its part in attracting more visitors to the area."

Paul Thompson, chairman of HiMBA, added;

"All of us in HiMBA are delighted with the finished trails at Learnie Red Rock, and look forward to having an exciting year round facility on our doorstep.  Some of the routes promise to challenge the most experienced of riders, but at the same time there are trails for the less experienced.

"Word is spreading fast about what the area offers, and it's been especially encouraging to see the routes being used by local families trying off-road first time.

"HiMBA would like to thank all the bodies who've helped support the project, and looks forward to continuing its partnership with Forestry Commissions Scotland to further develop these trails in the future."

Learnie Red Rock Trails, are to be found in Learnie Forest, Black Isle, on the A832 Rosemarkie to Cromarty road.  It is approximately 30mins from Inverness.  Further information about mountain biking in the national forest estate in Scotland can be found on www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland