Two active travel routes in Moray have been upgraded to improve accessibility for walking, wheeling, and cycling.

A 2.5km section of the National Cycle Network Route 1, connecting Cullen and Portknockie, has undergone £1.4 million in upgrades. The improvements include path resurfacing, better drainage to prevent water buildup, and the addition of an accessible ramp in Cullen.

This has provided a safe, traffic-free link between the communities which is useable year-round, giving more people the opportunity to make sustainable journey choices.

Drainage work on the former railway embankment in Cullen was also completed in August 2023. The £1.45m project has made the route resilient against future extreme rainfall events.

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An additional 1.3km of National Cycle Network Route 1, which runs east from Garmouth to the Spey Viaduct, has been resurfaced and had tree roots removed. The £260,923 project is making it easier and safer for locals and visitors to enjoy the route.

The improvements to the National Cycle Network in Moray have been funded by the Scottish Government and developed and delivered through partnership between Moray Council and Sustrans.

Chair of the Economic Development & Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, said the routes are as popular as ever since fully re-opening: "These paths are popular for locals and visitors so it's great to see them being fully utilised again.

"We're spoiled for cycling and walking routes in Moray and I hope these routes will continue to provide people with alternate and accessible traveling options.

"Switching to walking or cycling even for just a short journey helps to protect biodiversity in our local areas. In 2019, Moray Council declared a climate emergency and projects like this demonstrates some great strides to tackling climate change."