Communities across Scotland are being encouraged to apply to the newly reopened Ian Findlay Path Fund (IFPF) as it returns for a third year.
Administered by Paths for All, on behalf of Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government, the IFPF will support projects that aim to enable more people to walk, wheel, or cycle for everyday journeys through the improvement of local path networks.
The IFPF has £1.2m available for 2024 and eligible groups with plans to improve active travel networks in and around their communities can apply for a grant ranging from £10,000 to £100,000 towards the cost of project delivery. Funding is also available through the fund to cover the cost of producing detailed design plans for projects at an earlier stage of their development.
From supporting a community to revitalise the historic Ardnish Path on the Isle of Skye to enabling Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh to create an entirely new active travel link for students, visitors and locals in the area, the fund has now awarded over £2,500,000 and has supported nearly 40 community led projects since its inception in 2022.
The fund uniquely offers a combination of financial support, advice, and guidance with the aim of empowering communities to implement impactful changes through delivery of the projects they are passionate about.
Named in honour of the late Ian Findlay CBE, former Chief Officer of Paths for All, the fund continues his vision of making Scotland's great outdoors more accessible to all.
Applications will be accepted until February 2025 or sooner if all funding is allocated within this time. More information, including how to apply, can be found on the Paths for All website.