Issue - meetings

The Chair outlined the history of the proposed off-road route and noted that the historic difficulties in getting such routes promoted should not occur in this instance  as  it was Nigel Brooks of the LLNT  who mapped the route.  The Chair also noted that preliminary discussions had taken place, and that Cowalfest may be interested in supporting the proposed launch event in the summer.

Stewart McNee noted that since having been asked to review the route, he had enjoyed cycling it and was of the view that it should appeal to mountain bikers of many levels.  Stuart noted that the route had five hostelries located along it and that this was an additional bonus meaning that riders could easily stop and take rest breaks.

Stewart noted that  the “Cycle Scotland” website  is the main source of information on all types of cycling in Scotland and that every official race is on this site, it is therefore essential for success that this new route be promoted via this avenue.

Stewart also noted that the Cycle Scotland Organisation also does all the training and awards for Scottish cycling and so are in touch with a ready-made client base.

Stewart is also of the view that there is a lot of potential for mountain bike tracks in the hills behind  Dunoon particularly the downhill event.  The major issues preventing this as a development are the twin issues of land ownership and permission to use the land for this purpose.

David Adams McGilp noted that the proximity of Dunoon to the central belt could be a major benefit in terms of ensuring that access to a high quality track was affordable. 

Sue Gledhill raised the question as to whether local businesses would be likely to support this development noting that historically, there has on occasion, been an issue with small businesses not wishing to see development.  A general discussion ensued regarding the various types of business likely to benefit, and it was noted that caravan sites are the perfect type of accommodation for  people wishing to participate in outdoor sports events, since this type of accommodation gives good access to drying facilities and does not impinge on other users.

Colin Moulson and the chair both noted that there was a need for a coordinated approach to ensure that the best possible outcomes were achieved, and Colin noted that the PA23 BID was willing to fund a piece of work by the well known mountain biker Paul Masson, who also runs a cycling events company.  This piece of work would address the question “Why come to Dunoon” which is the first question which needs to be answered if people are not to be blocked from coming to the area.  Paul is to be commissioned to write a report on the initial feasibility of developing a mountain biking infrastructure and how it may join with other related sports using the world class raw facilities which are available in the Dunoon area. 

It is still hoped that the official Launch will take place during the summer, but it was noted that work remained to be done regarding the acceptability of unmanned trails and public liability Insurance.  It was also highlighted that the need for an outdoor centre to act as a central point could be met by any of the local centres such as Benmore ,and the Ardentinny Centre. 

It was noted that Paul Masson’s initial work could lead to a more detailed feasibility study being done for the larger geographical area, but that it was a good first step even if this were not to occur.  It was also noted that funders such as the Big Lottery might be approached eventually, but that this would have to be done by community vehicles such as the Coast and Countryside Fund rather than the Council which is not eligible.