Making It Happen

Community and organisation support

SAPI has received support for The Culzean Way proposal from many active travel & community organisations and the general public.

We have also presented our ambition to councillors, MSPs, MPs, community councils, some landowners and have received widespread support.

Active travel funding

Active travel projects are often funded externally by the Scottish Government, with minimal costs to the council. 

The Scottish Government sets budgets for such projects. Much of this budget is allocated to Transport Scotland's active travel delivery partners (Sustrans, Cycling Scotland, Paths for All and others) who work across Scotland to deliver projects that will get more people walking and cycling. They in turn distribute much of this funding to local authorities, community groups, third sector groups and others.

The Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA), delivers shared council roads and transportation services to communities across South and East Ayrshire. This includes responsibility for footpaths and cycleways.

Any new developments, like The Culzean Way (TCW), need approval from elected councillors at South Ayrshire Council (SAC).

South Ayrshire Paths Initiative gathered community support and after making the case for The Culzean Way, secured the backing of South Ayrshire Council to produce a feasibility study.

South Ayrshire Council have directed Ayrshire Roads Alliance to pursue Scottish Government funding to develop initial stages of the project - see here for more information.

The Culzean Way is now included as a strategic route with South Ayrshire Council and Ayrshire Road Alliance's plan for active travel called The Ayrshire Link.

One section at a time

The Culzean Way will be developed in stages over multiple years.

A project of this nature is long term due to the distance covered and the many landowners involved.

The stunning scenery also means a complex terrain, hence the desire to use the old railway track.

We can do it with your support

Such a large project needs ongoing public support. The elected representatives for the area (councillors, MSPs and MPs), as well as potential funders (Transport Scotland, Sustrans etc.) will be asking a lot of questions before giving the go ahead and financial backing for such a large and long term project. They will want to know if the project is feasible, the potential benefits, the estimated cost and most importantly do people want it to happen.

This is where you come in - see below.