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Scottish MTB Conference 2026 - The Programme

The Scottish Mountain Bike Conference returns, bringing the sector together to shape the next ten years of mountain biking in Scotland. With an inspiring programme of speakers, interactive sessions, and discussions focused on the priorities of the new 2026–2036 strategy. Check out our programme.

Conference programme 24

The Scottish Mountain Bike Conference 2026 will bring together leaders, practitioners and partners from across Scotland's mountain biking sector to launch the Strategy for Scottish Mountain Biking 2026–2036 and explore what its ambitions mean in practice.

The launch of the Strategy marks the beginning of the next chapter for the sport. This one-day conference moves beyond vision and ambition to explore what delivery looks like in practice.

Through keynote presentations, case studies and discussion, delegates will hear from the organisations, communities and individuals already leading change across Scotland and discover how they can play their part in delivering the Strategy over the next ten years.

The Next Ten Years Starts Here. Scotland 2036 – What Success Looks Like

09:00 | Registration & Refreshments

Arrive, grab a coffee, meet fellow delegates and explore the exhibition. Secure bike storage available

09:30 | Welcome & Introduction

Colin Slater, Chair, Scottish Mountain Bike Consortium

09:45 | Looking Back to Move Forward.

Graeme McLean, Head of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland. Reflecting on the achievements of the 2019–2025 Strategy and looking ahead to the ambitions of the new 10-year Strategy.

10:15 | Official Strategy Launch

Hear from Scottish Government on the Strategy for Scottish Mountain Biking 2026–2036 and the opportunities ahead for the sector.

10:30 | Strategy in Action: Trails & Supporting Infrastructure

A look at Scotland’s trail network, sustainable trail development and the role of collaboration, investment and long-term planning in creating resilient, accessible riding environments.Featuring perspectives from UK Trails Project, Forestry and Land Scotland, Cycling UK and trail development partners.

11:10 | Break & Networking

Spend a bit of time talking to our event partners and networking with conference delegates and speakers

11:35 | Strategy in Action: Tourism, Destination Development & Innovation

Mountain biking is more than a sport. Explore how investment, innovation and collaboration can support economic growth, community development, business and destination creation.

Featuring speakers from Aberfoyle - community-led development, North East Adventure Tourism - destination growth, and Bike Innovation Scotland - research, innovation and business growth.

12:15 | Lunch & Networking

Enjoy a locally sourced and produced lunch.

13:15 | The Tour de France Grand Départ: Creating a Lasting Social Impact

Victoria Leiper, Tour de France Social Impact Programme Manager

Explore how the Grand Départ can create a lasting legacy through communities, schools, volunteers and partners – and inspire more people to ride.

13:35 | Strategy in Action: Learning Beyond the Trail

The Future of Inclusive Mountain Biking

What can mountain biking learn from other adventure and sporting communities? Hear perspectives from Paralympic sport and mountain rescue / mountaineering, exploring how adventure can build confidence, resilience, wellbeing and belonging – and what this could mean for the future of inclusive mountain biking in Scotland.

14:15 | Strategy in Action: Education & Skills

From inspiring the next generation to creating pathways into training and employment, explore how education and skills can help build a skilled, resilient and future-ready mountain bike sector.With insight into the new Customised Award in mountain biking, urban riding, international trail education, coaching and creative career pathways.

14:55 | Economic Evaluation

Latest findings and insights from the economic evaluation of mountain biking in Scotland.

15:15 | Delivering the Strategy: Interactive Breakout Sessions

Heading towards the end of the day, these break out sessions puts delegates at the heart of the conversation, exploring the challenges and opportunities that could shape delivery of the Strategy over the next ten years.

Sessions will cover:

How can Scotland continue delivering the Strategy in a rapidly changing world?

Making Digital Work for Your Business

The Future of Inclusive Adventure. Can Scotland become a place the world looks to for inclusive adventure?

16:00 | Reflections from the Breakout Sessions

Colin Slater and representatives from each session will relay findings to the conference

16:20 | Closing Keynote

TBD

16:45 | Closing Remarks

Colin Slater will round of the Conference by looking back over the day and towards the next decade of Scottish Mountain biking.

17:00 | Optional Local Rideout & Evening Social

An opportunity to get out and ride, or continue the conversation over food and drinks.

Night ride

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