Funding for new path between St Andrews and East Neuk

The funds, awarded to delivery partner Transition University of St Andrews, will provide a safe 11-mile link between the two coastal communities, suitable for cycling, walking and wheeling between.

Transition University of St Andrews has long been an advocate for a segregated route between the towns.

Prior to their proposals, active travel between Crail and St Andrews has been limited to the use of the A197, an often congested and precarious route for cyclists and walkers to navigate.

While lockdown restrictions in response to Covid-19 have had a significant effect in reducing vehicular traffic on this part of the A197, numbers of cyclists and walkers have only increased.

This not only demonstrates the desire of local people to use routes such as this one providing they are safe, but provides a positive picture of the utility the planned off-road route will provide active travellers.

Alistair Macleod, project leader for Transition University of St Andrews, said: “We are really pleased to be continuing this project especially at this difficult time. Many people are seeing that change is possible.”

Sarah Glynn, infrastructure officer for Sustrans, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with Transition to create cycling routes across Fife so that more people will be able to cycle between as well as within towns, and to do so safely.

“We look forward to the time when those who live and work in the many small places along this route have the option of getting around by bicycle.”