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Scottish Government Backs Mountain Biking Development with New Funding for DMBinS

We’re thrilled to announce continued Scottish Government, with Maree Todd, Minister for Sport, who are supporting our work at DMBinS with £120k funding! Backed by 5 gov departments – covering sport, tourism, major events, rural economy, and transport – a true cross-sector vote of confidence!

Scottish Government Support for MTB June 25 Group

We’re excited to share that Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland has received £120,000 in funding from the Scottish Government to support our national development work in 2025!

What makes this funding truly unique is that it comes from five different government departments – tourism, major events, rural economy, transport, and sport/health – highlighting just how many benefits mountain biking brings to Scotland.

From improved community wellbeing and active travel, to rural economic growth and world-class events, Scottish mountain biking is more than a sport – it’s a movement.

A huge thank you to Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Drugs, Alcohol and Sport, and all those across government and government agencies, along with the mountain bike community and businesses who are backing our vision. Onwards and upwards

FULL PRESS RELEASE

The Scottish Government has today announced a new package of funding to support the work of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), helping to sustain and grow Scotland’s position as a world leader in mountain biking. The one-year investment of £120k will enable DMBinS to continue delivering strategic projects that support health, wellbeing, tourism, sport development and climate-friendly recreation across the country.

The funding will allow DMBinS, a project within Scottish Cycling, to continue its work on trail development, participation programmes, trails and pump tracks linking with active travel initiatives, community engagement, support for mountain bike tourism and product development businesses, and events. It also supports the DMBinS’s efforts, along with Scottish Government and all national agencies, representative bodies, and cycling organisations with an interest in mountain biking, to develop a new 10-year national strategy for mountain biking in Scotland, building on the success of previous strategies that have seen mountain biking grow into one of Scotland’s most popular and accessible adventure sports.

Scot Gov Support MTB Graeme Maree June25

Graeme McLean, Head of DMBinS, said:

“We are hugely grateful to the Scottish Government for this continued support. This funding will allow us to maintain momentum at a crucial time as we help shape the future of mountain biking in Scotland. We’re working closely with communities, land managers, and businesses to ensure that mountain biking continues to bring positive impacts for health, the environment, transport, and the economy. This investment ensures we can keep delivering on our shared ambition to make Scotland the best place in the world to ride a bike.”

This funding package is unique in that it brings together support from five different Scottish Government departments – tourism, transport, rural affairs, major events, and sport/health – recognising the wide-reaching benefits mountain biking delivers for Scotland. This cross-departmental investment highlights the value of DMBinS’s work in connecting national priorities, from promoting rural economic development and active travel to enhancing public health and positioning Scotland as a global destination for mountain biking and the potential for mountain biking to benefit from major cycling events.

Scot Gov Support MTB Maree June 25

Sport Minister Maree Todd said:

“Mountain biking is not only a fantastic way to explore Scotland’s incredible outdoors but it also supports physical and mental wellbeing, boosts local economies, and gets people on their bikes leading to more active travel.

“It also helps to tackle inequalities in access to sport and activity. We’re pleased to support Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland in continuing to make a positive difference to communities across the country.

“This funding reflects our ongoing commitment to outdoor recreation, sustainable tourism, and encouraging more people to enjoy active lifestyles.”

Scot Gov Support MTB Maree Pano June 25

Maree Todd MSP, riding the trails at Glentress

The new funding builds on over a decade of progress by DMBinS and partners. It comes ahead of a public consultation on the forthcoming Mountain Biking Strategy for Scotland 2026–2036, which will help shape the next chapter in the sport’s development.

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