The long-awaited West Lothian Cycle Circuit is now open! On this page you can find a potted history of the planning and fundraising for the circuit. Keep up to date with all of the news on the circuit’s dedicated site here or by following their Facebook and Instagram.
Planning Permission
In February 2018 West Lothian Council’s Executive Committee agreed to take forward the negotiations to lease the Kettilstoun Mains site to Linlithgow Community Development Trust to create outdoor sports and leisure facilities, starting with the West Lothian Cycle Circuit. The Council Executive also agreed to capital funding of £307,000 contribution to the cycle circuit. LCDT is working closely with council officers and other stakeholders to progress the lease and planning application, whilst working hard to raise the additional money the project needs.
A pre-planning application was submitted to West Lothian Council at the end of May 2018, and the Trust sought views during the 12 week consultation period. There was good attendance at a public consultation event. A further 34 responses were submitted, helping to inform the detailed planning application.
In early September 2018, we were delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted for the West Lothian Cycle Circuit. All efforts were then on securing the remaining funds for the Cycle Circuit to progress to tendering, procurement and construction.
The circuit will be a fabulous community facility for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of cycling. And not forgetting it will also offer a traffic-free workout option for runners and joggers.
Future phases of development within the site are also included within the planning permission. This includes a wheeled park area, for skateboards, bikes and scooters, plus a suite of athletic track and field facilities consisting of a sprint track, high jump, long jump, javelin and shot putt areas. All very exciting! Once funding is in place for the cycle circuit the Linlithgow Community Development Trust is looking forward to working with local children and young people, schools, Linlithgow’s Young People Project, the Linlithgow Athletics Club and others to progress these projects.
Funding
With the announcement in September 2021 of £636,011 investment from sportscotland’s Cycling Facility Fund, we were delighted to have raised over £1.2m towards making this project a reality.
Fraser Falconer, former Chair of Linlithgow Community Development Trust notes “The new facility being built will represent a tremendous achievement for our community, creating a wonderful place to nurture a love of cycling for people of all ages and inclusive for all. After years of hard work from local volunteers and supporters, the recognition by sportscotland and West Lothian Council gives great inspiration to us as we link the delivery of the cycle circuit to active travel, healthy living, social inclusion and improving health and well-being.”
This is on the back of our successful Crowdfunder campaign in February 2020 which raised over £30,000. You can watch our inspiring video
explaining what the project is all about.
How you can help
Get involved
We are always on the look out for volunteers. If you are interested in participating please contact hello@trust-linlithgow.org.uk.
