The Kyle of Sutherland Initiative (KOSI) and Forestry Commission Scotland officially opened new singletrack trails in Balbair and Carbisdale woods at the weekend.

The trails have been designed by Rik Allsop from Dumfries, one of Scotland's most experienced trail designers. Well known and respected on the circuit, Rik has been involved in the sport for ten years, running a trail construction business in the Borders as well as building and hiring specialist bikes. He said:

"Balblair and Carbisdale woods have enormous potential. We've used the unique terrain to devise exciting trails for competent mountain bikers, from black route timber and rock challenges to blue routes. We have developed over 17km of trail which will be a major attraction for outdoor sporting enthusiasts all over the country."

The project was originally conceived in 2003 by the KOSI, a community group with members from Lairg, Creich and Ardgay Community Councils, whilst working on a Marketing Strategy for the area. The strategy highlighted the Kyle of Sutherland as a potential area of 'cycling excellence' by promoting existing national road cycle routes with new off road facilities. A subsequent feasibility study confirmed that both the Balblair and Carbisdale Woods offer terrain ideally suited to exciting trail development.

The project has taken several years to complete and Forestry Commission Scotland has been a lead partner, working with Rik and construction contractor John White from Rosehall. KOSI secured funding from Community Environmental Renewal Scheme, Leader+, CASE, Highland Birchwoods, Highland Council, and Scottish Natural Heritage. It is hoped that the trails promotion will be linked to the trails in Golspie, Learnie and Rosehall, providing a greater pull for those looking north for exciting trail riding.