Steve Gillion started in the new role of e-bike coordinator/ranger for the Point and Sandwick Community Coastal Path (PSCCP) in September and joins the team in the first paid position for the organisation.
Steve will support the development of the Point electric bike project, which has 14 e-bikes available for use in the local area from a base at Aros an Rubha in Knock.
With the help of Community Consultant Alasdair Nicholson of Point and Sandwick Trust (PST), the PSCCP successfully applied for funding to order electric-bikes and began testing in May 2022 with great feedback from volunteers.
With Steve on board, PSCCP plans to roll out use of the bikes to the public via an innovative hire scheme which will seek to encourage a new, active means of travel in the community.
“Steve is an e-bike owner and enthusiast as well as possessing wide ranging, outdoor experience both as a leader and participant,” said Ken MacLennan, vice chairperson of PSCCP.
“He’s a great match for this new position which will focus on developing our e-bike scheme and promoting use of the Point and Sandwick Trail walks across the community.”
Alasdair Nicholson added: “This will add to the good work that North Street volunteer, Donnie Macdonald, has been doing with the e-bikes stationed there and help the
development of the path network for walkers as well.
“Initiatives of this sort help grow opportunities for people to become more active with benefits for physical and mental health for participants.
“There is a pool of 14 e-bikes and local volunteers, or those who would benefit from trying them out should look out for more information and get in touch with Steve.”
Funding for this project came from a number of sources, including PST, HIE and the Energy Savings Trust.
An additional package of support from Crown Estates in Point, PST and some earlier Investing in Scotland funds supports creation of the new role.
Photograph: From left: Nicola MacSween(PSCCP), Ken Maclennan (PSCCP), Alasdair Nicholson (PST), DJ MacSween(PST) and Steve Gillon. Photograph: SandiePhotos. NO_F43_PointAndSandwickTrail_23_NicolaMacSween(PSCCP)_Ken Maclennan (PSCCP)_Alasdair Nicholson (PST)_DJ MacSween(PST)_SteveGillon_SandiePhotos