A new mountain bike centre in the Highlands, boasting one of the longest single-track descents in Scotland, has been given the go-ahead.
Two new trails, six and 12 miles long, will be built in the forests near Tomintoul after being approved by the Cairngorms National Park Authority Planning Committee.
Mountain biking is already worth £139 million to the Scottish economy, with growth expected to be around 30% over the next five years.
Most notably, the sport has transformed the fortunes of the Nevis Range resort at Aonach Mor near Fort William, sustaining the operation when there is no snow for skiing.
The resort has built a global reputation and hosts World Cup events that can attract 20,000 spectators and almost 500 competitors.
There are also several mountain biking centres on the east coast and more in the Borders.
The development of the sport comes after the Cairngorms park authority agreed to the new trails and a hub in the forest at Carn Meilich and Carn Daimh on the Glenlivet Estate, which is owned by the Crown Estate.
In addition to the trails, the bike centre will include a new car park and a building which will accommodate toilets, information and cafe facilities, and is intended to function as a visitor hub. It will be set in a commercial forest plantation.
The descent from the summit of Carn Daimh on the longer of the trails will be almost three miles long, making it one of the longest in the country.
Allan Wright, park authority board member and Moray councillor, said: "I'm pleased to see an opportunity being taken to attract more people to the Glenlivet and Tomintoul area. If the bike trails are as good as we're being told, mountain bikers will travel far for the experience.
"For the residents of Tomintoul, having such a facility on their doorstep will be something for them and tourists to enjoy. There should also be employment potential. For local businesses, I was encouraged by the public declaration from the developers that they would engage with business interests in the vicinity to ensure any marketing strategies for the trails encourage and maximise the delivery of ancillary benefits to Tomintoul, Glenlivet, and the wider area."
Planning officer Mary Grier added: "Interesting and challenging trails will be created from the existing landform, rather than being man-made, and will involve limited construction and minimal tree felling.
"We've also added a condition that the trail should be no wider than 1.2 metres, all of which helps protect the surrounding forest and landscape. Currently both cyclists and walkers use the forest roads and the likelihood of conflict between the two has been identified as low.
"The increased promotion of the new centre could attract more people to enjoy the outdoors in this area of the park and explore the existing network of paths."
Last week the Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland website was launched by Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport.
The website has information on all the places to ride in Scotland, the equipment needed, features on inspirational coaches and leaders, and bike events. It is aimed at families, existing mountain bikers and those new to the activity.
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