Active and sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, has welcomed the completion of a new walking, wheeling and cycling link between the coastal communities of Broughty Ferry and Monifieth.

Locals turned out in number at Castle Green in Broughty Ferry on Monday 6 May 2024 to mark the official opening of a new all-accessible walking, wheeling and cycling path along the River Tay.

Following along National Cycle Network Route 1, the £18m project sought to provide a safe and direct walking, wheeling and cycling option for residents and visitors to the area.

Now complete, the 2.5-mile long off-road path is already proving popular, with more people than ever able to leave the car at home for short, everyday journeys.

The almost £18m funding for the project was received through Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure programme backed by Transport Scotland and managed by Sustrans.

The ribbon cutting, heralding the official opening of the path, took place at noon and was performed by Councillor Steven Rome from Dundee City Council, followed by the unveiling of several new artworks along the route.

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Tying in neatly with the planned Broughty Ferry Flood Protection Scheme which was already underway, the new route would provide a direct and continuous link along the scenic coastline and enable people of all ages and abilities to travel actively every day.

Lee Muir, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development for Sustrans, said: "When we make walking, wheeling and cycling easier, everyone benefits. This new route between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth gives people the freedom and choice to make sustainable and active everyday journeys, reducing congestion on roads and helping to provide cleaner air for everyone."

Councillor Steven Rome, Convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure, Dundee City Council, said: "This transformational and pioneering project has opened up an impressive route for active travel between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth and will links with the route right the way through Dundee.

"This makes the area more attractive for visitors and locals alike and the public art programme is creating a real sense of place."

Councillor Mark McDonald, Communities Convenor for Angus Council, said: "I'm pleased to see the next phase of the active travel route connecting Broughty Ferry and Monifieth officially opened.

"The area at Castle Green is looking great and the new user-friendly and accessible pathway means more people can use it to walk and cycle for everyday journeys and for fun.

"Thank you to everyone who contributed to achieving this milestone. I'm looking forward to seeing the work progress as it continues further into Monifieth."