A £100,000 project is to get underway in Fochabers, Moray, to improve bike trails in the area.

The funding is for Monster mountain trails in Moray.

The investment has been been principally provided by Forestry Commission Scotland, who will manage the trails, and the Commonwealth Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund via sportscotland. The work will involve upgrading the existing trails, adding new sections to the route and constructing a new skills area.

The new facilities are expected to be completed and operational by September.

Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead, said: "This is great news for the Moray area and illustrates the many benefits our local forests deliver for the local community.

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"There are lots of Forestry Commission Scotland sites in the north east that are great places to go for some fresh air, exercise and fun activities but this £100,000 investment will make the Monster Trails a key attraction.

"It will offer something for everyone – from experienced riders to families looking for a great day out – and that will really benefit the area's tourism economy."

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, added: "We are delighted that the Active Places Fund from Glasgow 2014 will benefit this wonderful initiative and the Moray area.

"The Monster Trails will be of real benefit to the local community. sportscotland is committed to providing more and better opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity and we view this project as a key part of this commitment."

The Monster Trails is one of the most extensive MTB facilities in the North east of Scotland, with some 30km of trails available. Around 15,000 visits are made to the monster trails each year. Numbers are expected to grow following this additional investment.

(JP/CD)