Transport Scotland has awarded £10,000 to the City of Edinburgh Council to explore plans for a new 'active travel hub' in the city.

Consultants Capita Symonds will carry out a feasibility study for such a facility to be based at Haymarket Station. In addition, discussions are taking place with stakeholders, including Abellio ScotRail, Sustrans and Cycling Scotland, about the proposals and a survey has been launched to gather public opinion on what features they would like to see in the 'hub'.

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Facilities could include cycling and walking route-mapping information and advice, bike maintenance and/or bike/e-bike hire, depending on demand and the physical space potentially available.

Similar active travel hubs are already in place in Stirling, Ayr and Kilmarnock.

Transport Convener Cllr Lesley Hinds said: "The City Centre West to East Link and opportunities to create an active travel hub at Haymarket Station represent a step-change in conditions for travelling by two wheels into, from and right through the city centre.

"We want to make walking and cycling as easy and attractive a choice as possible, and for more people to experience the benefits of travelling in an active and sustainable way for everyday journeys, as well as contributing positively to the city's quality of life and air quality."

(LM)