The Cycling Tourism Facilities Fund gives tourism businesses, communities, and social enterprises in the area covered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) the opportunity to apply for funding of up to £25,000 to develop and enhance their cycling tourism facilities.

Quality cycling facilities can attract cycling visitors who are looking to enjoy the scenic landscapes and unique offerings of the region while using sustainable active travel.

The funding can be used to invest in fixtures, fittings, construction, adaptation or upgrades to improve cycling tourism facilities.

Examples of eligible projects include: 

• creating new secure, covered cycle storage
• creating new open or sheltered cycle parking
• increasing the capacity of existing cycle parking or storage
• adding security lockers and storage
• adding drying facilities
• installing bike maintenance equipment, such as repair stations

This list is not exhaustive - all grant assistance from HIE is discretionary.

Note that this fund only covers capital investment projects. Facilities that are developed with support from this fund must be for, and to benefit, visitors.

Businesses, social enterprises and community organisations are eligible for this fund if they:

• operate in the tourism market
• are based in the area covered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), which includes Argyll and Bute (except for the Helensburgh and Lomond area), Caithness and Sutherland, the Inner Moray Firth (including Inverness), the Outer Hebrides, Moray, Orkney, Shetland and Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross, Arran and the Cumbraes

Applicants should normally have been trading for 6 months or more.

Applicants must meet HIE’s fair work conditions for grant support. More information is available on the HIE website.

Grants of up to £25,000 are available to cover up to 50% of the total eligible cost of a project. You will need to fund the remaining costs from other sources.

The amount you receive will depend on factors such as the size of your organisation, where it is based and the project you're planning.

You'll also need to pay for all project costs upfront, then submit a claim to receive your grant.

Businesses, social enterprises and community organisations that operate in the tourism market in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area.

The grant will accept applications until 31 August 2025 or until all funds are distributed, whichever is earlier.

Projects will be given priority if they demonstrate market growth potential and align with national and regional cycling strategies and plans or existing or planned cycle routes.

Applicants must meet HIE’s fair work conditions for grant support. More information is available on the HIE website.

The application process has 2 stages. Stage 1 is to complete the online enquiry form on the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website. Your enquiry form will then be reviewed.

If your application meets the basic criteria, you'll be allocated a development manager who will advise you on what you need to do to make a stage 2 application.

If your application is unsuccessful, Highlands and Islands Enterprise will explain why and will highlight other support options where possible.

Visit the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website for more information and to submit an enquiry.