Mountain biking is one of the big success stories in the Highlands in recent years. And now, to capitalise on the sport’s massive appeal, seven national organisations are joining together next week to initiate a framework and strategy for the future delivery of mountain biking in Scotland.
The one-day ‘Building on Success’ conference in Perth on January 29 is hoping to see as a wide a range of stakeholders as possible participating in the forum. But time is now running out, and any tourism or hospitality-related business wishing to attend should contact the organisers before close of play today (Monday, January 21) by emailing their details to info@scottishcycling.com or calling 0131 652 0187.
The aim of the national consultative conference is to hear the views of the widest possible range of interests on the development of the framework and the issues and ideas it will address. The emphasis of the day is on discussion and on listening in an attempt to draw out the key issues and what action might need to be taken in relation to these. Venue for the event is the Salutation Hotel, Perth.
For those companies or individuals unable to attend the conference, it is also possible to make their views known on the future of Scottish mountain biking by sending a response directly to Scottish Cycling (www.scuonline.org)
Says Scottish Cycling: “Mountain biking is a true Scottish success story. We have great locations for the sport attracting a huge number of participants and an increasing number of visitors. We have an international reputation for organising superb major events and we are producing world-class competitors. It is crucial that this success is maintained and built on in a sustainable way, continuing to contribute to the health and well-being, tourism and economic development and sporting achievement of the country.”
After some initial background presentation the conference will be conducted in a facilitated ‘open space’ format where the audience attending will be given the opportunity to define the agenda of topics to be discussed. This conference is free of charge and is being held from 10am to 4pm on 29 January 2008 in the Salutation Hotel, Perth.
