A major investment of £60 million in active travel infrastructure across Scotland has been announced as part of Sustrans Scotland and Transport Scotland's flagship active travel programme, Places for Everyone.

The programme will see projects across Scotland benefit from funding to create safer, more attractive and healthier places to help increase the number of everyday active journeys made across the country.

Five major transformative projects in Perth, Edinburgh, Arbroath and Glasgow (x2), will benefit from Sustrans funding, expertise and support to make walking, cycling and wheeling more accessible to all. They will receive almost £60m over the course of their development.

During the next year (2019/20), a further 200 projects across Scotland will benefit from the Places for Everyone expertise, support and funding.

The investment was announced in Perth by Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, alongside the launch of the public consultation for Scottish Government's new National Transport Strategy (NTS2) for Scotland.

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Speaking in Perth, Mr Matheson said: "The National Transport Strategy sets a clear direction for a future where we have a sustainable, inclusive and accessible transport system that helps deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland.

"We know cycling, walking, use of public transport and shared transport options all need to be more affordable, accessible and attractive if we are to make this vision a reality.

"The Strategy is being launched alongside the allocation of £60 million for five new active travel projects, underlining the importance of sustainable transport and the added benefits that it can bring."

Sustrans Scotland Director, Grace Martin, also said: "We are delighted to announce the projects that will be supported by Sustrans Places for Everyone programme, funded by Transport Scotland. Five large scale projects that will make a real difference to the residents of Perth, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Arbroath.

"Working in partnership with the Sustrans Places for Everyone programme provides support and expertise through all stages, from concept and design to delivery and construction. The programme helps to connect communities and create liveable towns and cities.

"We're excited by the new National Transport Strategy designed to make sure transport helps Scotland to meet its priorities for prosperity, reducing inequality, tackling climate change and healthier people.

"Sustrans Scotland looks forward to working with our partners to deliver these goals by helping more people to walk, cycle and wheel."