Feasibility Report for an Active Travel Hub for Aberfoyle This feasibility study was carried out by Nicki Souter Associates on behalf of the Trossachs Business Partnership in January 2017.
Nicki Souter ASSOCIATES Contents
Background 4
Profile 7
Current Active Travel and Public Transport Services 10
Supporting the Delivery of the Community Action Plan 13
Stirling Council Low Carbon Travel and Transport Hub 16
Methodology 20
Findings and Recommendations 25
Financial Model 43
Appendices 46 Background
4 Background In 2010 the Scottish Government produced a Transport Scotland was awarded up to £13.9m Cycle Action Plan which set a target for 10% of until the end of 2018 under the European all journeys to be made by bicycle by 2020. In Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014- 2014 the Scottish Government’s Active Travel 2020 programme to help reduce greenhouse Vision1 was launched which aims to significantly gas emissions from transport and improve air increase the number of people cycling, walking quality. £8M of this funding is being used to and using other forms of active travel. This deliver the Low Carbon Travel and Transport vision set out to: (LCTT) Challenge Fund which is supporting the strategic aims of the LCTT Programme to: ОО Improve infrastructure, such as segregated cycle paths and improved connectivity of ОО Increase the number of journeys made by settlements for walkers and cyclists; public transport, active travel or low-carbon ОО Ensure continual maintenance of roads, and vehicles; pedestrian and cycling paths; ОО Support active travel hubs (facilities and ОО Transform urban centres to create a sense of routes to support cycling, walking and public place and prioritise active travel access; transport use as an alternative to the car); ОО Integrate active travel with public transport and services, such as room for bikes on buses, ОО To provide low carbon transport hubs and and encouraging further uptake in a range of reliable low-carbon refuelling services at public and alternative transport, such as car strategic sites. clubs, bike hire and bike storage; ОО Realise cultural and behavioural change This LCTT Challenge Fund is open to public, through a range of programmes to ensure community and third sector organisations to bid active travel can continue to develop; for up to 40 – 50% of their project costs with ОО Promote community ownership; the remainder to be met through match funding ОО Improve planning and strategy development with a submission deadline of the 28th February so that active travel is prioritised in all 2017. aspects of life from health to community planning partnerships; and To assist organisations in developing strong bids ОО Encourage and develop further active for this fund, Transport Scotland Pre-Application travel leisure, sport and recreation activities Support Fund (PASF)2 is providing eligible throughout Scotland. organisations with up to £10,000, to support a range of development activity, such as: The first Active Travel Hub was launched in Stockton-on-Tees in 2009 and since this time ОО Scoping or feasibility studies; there have been a significant number of hubs ОО Business plan development; set up across the UK. The first hub in Scotland ОО Technical report and scheme design studies; was the Stirling Cycle Hub, established in May ОО Community engagement; 2013 by Forth Environment Link and located in ОО Identifying sources of eligible match funding; the centre of the city. Since opening, the Stirling ОО Identifying suitable sites for hubs, including Cycle Hub has helped over 16,000 people landowner engagement; get involved in Active Travel, and has acted ОО Investigating links with existing active travel as a successful model for further hubs to be infrastructure and provision; established in Kilmarnock and Ayr. ОО Advice on technical specifications for low carbon vehicle hubs e.g. power supply required or source of alternative fuels; ОО Identifying research and data sources; and ОО Establishing baseline evidence.
1 http://www.transport.gov.scot/news/minister-launches-active-travel-vision 2 http://www.transport.gov.scot/environment/pre-application-support-fund-pasf The Trossachs Business Partnership Hub in Aberfoyle to benefit residents and visitors but also to act as a model for other rural The Trossachs Business Partnership (TBP) is Hubs across Scotland. The submission deadline one of 39 organisations to be awarded Pre- for the Feasibility Study is the 27th January 2017. Application Support Funding in support of the The Feasibility Study was to commissioned to development of a strong bid to the European identify the following key objectives: Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Low Carbon Travel and Transport (LCTT) Challenge Fund. ОО The attitudes, behaviours and acceptability among residents, visitors and key The Partnership is a community based stakeholders to the proposed Active Travel association for businesses in Aberfoyle and the Hub, including a detailed exploration of the surrounding area, comprising of 17 members types of services and facilities that the Hub with the majority actively involved in servicing might provide, including: the tourism sector. »» The provision of active travel options to and from the Hub; The Trossachs Business Partnership »» A focal point for meeting, information commissioned Nicki Souter Associates to and education; and undertake a Feasibility Study to explore the »» Enhanced connectivity of the Hub potential for the development of an Active to the surrounding area and the Travel Hub within the centre of Aberfoyle provision of low carbon transport to provide an enhanced, co-ordinated and options. improved cycling, walking and travel service for residents and visitors to the village and ОО A suitable location, the governance and surrounding area. There are currently no rural management structures, and the capital Active Travel Hubs established in Scotland and and revenue costs associated with the as such there is the potential for the proposed establishment and maintenance of the Hub. Profile
7 Profile Area Profile Age Profile
The Trossachs and Teith is an electoral ward The region’s age profile as of 2013 is displayed located in rural Stirling and includes the in Table 15, with over half of the population over towns of Callander, Doune and the village of the age of 45: Aberfoyle. As of 2013 the ward has a population of approximately 11,5273 with approximately Table 1: Trossachs and Teith Age Profile 5,4404 households. It forms a major part of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, located approximately 18 miles from Stirling and Age Group % of Population 33 miles from Glasgow. As an area, it is popular 0-15 11% with walkers and is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for cyclists. The 16-29 14% National Cycle Route 7 runs through the area 30-44 17% and it is fortunate to have an extensive number of forest tracks for walkers, mountain bikers, and 45-59 29% quiet roads for cyclists. 60-74 20%
Socio Demographic Profile 75+ 9%
The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD 2016) indicates levels of deprivation in “datazones” of Council areas throughout Scotland. The socio-demographic profile of the Trossachs and Teith electoral ward is largely affluent with 10 of the 17 of the regions datazones classified as being in the 40% least deprived datazones in Scotland. The Strathard area (Aberfoyle, Kinlochard, Inversnaid and Stronachlachar) consists of 3 datazones consisting of a population of 1,643 residents.
Output Area Classifications (OACs) use 2011 Census data to apply a three-tiered hierarchical geodemographic classification to each Output Area within the UK. It assigns one of 8 Super- groups, 26 Groups and 76 Subgroups to each Output Area, providing a snapshot of the geodemographic information of that area. The OAC of the Trossachs and Teith Ward is largely made up of four super-groups:
ОО Rural Residents; ОО Hard-Pressed Living; ОО Urbanites; and ОО Suburbanites.
3 http://statistics.gov.scot/data/population-estimates 4 http://statistics.gov.scot/data/dwellings-type 5 http://statistics.gov.scot/data/population-estimates Business Profile
The region’s business profile as of Scotland’s 2011 Census is displayed in Table 26:
Table 2: Trossachs and Teith Business Profile
Employment of Ward % Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 5.2% Administrative and Support Activities 4% Manufacturing 4.4% Construction 9.1% Wholesale and Retail Trade 13.2% Finance and Insurance and Real Estate 4.1% Professional, Scientific and Technical 5.5% Public Administration and Defence 5.9% Education 9.2% Health and Social Work 11.9% Accommodation and Food Services 14.5% Other 13.2%
6 http://statistics.gov.scot/data/population-estimates Current Active Travel and Public Transport Services
10 Current Active Travel and Public Transport Services
Current Active Travel and future opportunities by coffee and cake and finishes with a fitness within Aberfoyle and the surrounding area class. The Aberfoyle group currently has 30 to include the following facilities and organisations. 35 members with usually 20 members on each walk. Path and Trail Network Public Transport Extensive network of paths and trails used by an increasing number of cyclists as an overnight There has been a reduction in public transport stop as part of multi-day bike tour, or a daytime services in the Trossachs similar to other rural destination for day cyclists. communities. Aberfoyle is currently serviced by 3 public bus routes, with only one of these Bike Trossachs7 having regular buses. The routes are as follows:
Based in Aberfoyle, Bike Trossachs was set up ОО B10: One evening bus a day (Monday to in 2013 to promote mountain biking in general, Saturday to Balfron); as well as highlighting the mountain biking ОО 504: Two buses a day to coincide with opportunities in the Trossachs part of the Loch the start and finish of school and operates Lomond and Trossachs National Park. between Balfron and Callander, stopping at Aberfoyle; and Mountain Bike Skills Park ОО C11: Operates every 90 minutes to 2 hours to Stirling Bus Station (Monday to Saturday). A Mountain Bike Skills Park was set up by Bike Trossachs and Collective Trax in 2014 Demand Responsive Transport Service within Aberfoyle, and is free for cyclists to use (DRT) to practice their bike skills. The park contains numerous sections of different difficulties This is a ‘taxi service’ managed by Stirling allowing it to cater for beginners through to Council and organised in rural areas where experts. The park was principally funded by the commercial or conventional bus operators public, the Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund and are unable to provide bus services. People the Forth Valley and Lomond Leader Fund, and can use this service at the cost of a bus fare has allowed local and visiting mountain bikers of and National Entitlement Cards (Bus Passes) all ages to become more proficient and skilled are accepted. Journeys can either connect at mountain biking skills. with existing public transport services or be to another destination within the DRT serviced Walk in the Park8 area. It offers greater flexibility to cope with local people’s appointments and work schedules, An established weekly shop opening hours and connections with bus walking group where services. The DRT service operates 7 days a trained volunteers lead week between 6:30 and 22:00 with bookings free weekly health walking made in advance by 3pm the previous working opportunities in Callander, Killin, Aberfoyle and day (Monday to Friday), with the exception of Balloch. Each walk ranges from 20 minutes for 25-26 December and 1-2 January. those just beginning to exercise again, up to an hour for those who are more able, with walks designed for individual abilities. This is followed 7 http://www.biketrossachs.org.uk 8 http://trustinthepark.org/walk-in-the-park Aberfoyle Village People9 Sir Walter Scott Steamship12
Aberfoyle Village People is an established The Sir Walter Scott Steamship Ltd are looking community organisation with local people to install 10 motorhome spaces with electricity working together to improve the local area, points at Loch Katrine. This will allow visitors to and coming up with ideas to make the village a stay near Loch Katrine in the comfort of their better place to live in. motorhome and allow them to explore the local area, including Aberfoyle, with the potential to Blazing Saddles10 use any new Active Travel facilities.
Blazing Saddles is Forth an all ability mobile Environment cycling project set up by FABB (Facilitating Link Access Breaking Barriers) based in Callander. It provides regular bike sessions using adaptive Forth Environment Link (FEL) is a charity bikes for people with disabilities and/or who involved with environmental education and have additional mobility support needs. The resources in the Central Scotland and is organisation is currently working in partnership involved at a community level on projects with the Stirling Cycle Hub, Callander Landscape related to local food, orchards, community Partnership, Callander Mountain Bike Trust, growing, environmental education, recycling Forth Valley Disability Sport, Forth Valley NHS awareness and cycling. FEL established Stirling Trust and others to develop an all-inclusive Cycle Hub the first active travel hub in Scotland Active Travel Hub in Callander. They will also be in 2013 at Stirling Train Station and provided able to provide training and the hire of adaptive supported for other areas to set up similar Hubs. bikes to individuals, groups and organisations They provide a range of information including which could also include the provision of these general cycling interest, route planning, events services for the Active Travel Hub at Aberfoyle. enquiries, bike hire, partnership working, business referrals, and commuter advice. The 11 Trossachs Mobility Hub also runs, and assists in running a wide range of events tailored to specific user needs Trossachs Mobility is a registered charity based such as club rides, weekly meanders, family in Callander which aims to improve access and rides and led commutes. mobility for visitors and residents by providing an all-terrain wheelchair hire service and led FEL developed a Cycling Hub rides. There is the possibility that they would be brand which reflected the Stirling willing to hire out the all-terrain wheelchair to Hub was dedicated to cycling the Active Travel Hub at Aberfoyle, and provide but was flexible to include other servicing, training, advice and support. complementary Active Travel services. The approach and Campsites brand is being used and applied to establish other Active Travel Campsites located in the surrounding area hubs in Scotland. include the existing sites at the Cobleland Campsite and the Trossachs Holiday Park. Currently being developed is a new Forestry Commission Scotland campsite at Loch Chon (situated between Kinlochard and Inversnaid), which is popular for picnics, cycling, walking, canoeing and fishing. 9 https://www.facebook.com/Aberfoylevillagepeople 10 http://www.fabb.org.uk/blazing-saddles/4585406530 11 http://www.trossachsmobility.com/ 12 http://www.lochkatrine.com/ Supporting the Delivery of the Community Action Plan
13 Supporting the Delivery of the Community Action Plan
A Community Action Plan is currently being Make Better Use of Natural Assets to developed by Strathard Community Council Make Strathard a Destination with a draft due to be produced for community consultation by the end of March 2017. In Theme 3: Outdoor Recreation, Priority 2 is to ‘Make Better Use of Natural Assets to The development of the proposed Active Travel Make Strathard a Destination’ with one of the Hub in Aberfoyle and working in partnership proposed actions stating: with key stakeholders could help to realise some of the priorities and actions listed in the ОО Encourage new and existing businesses Community Action Plan, particularly in promoting and groups to utilise the natural assets to Aberfoyle as a cycling hub; establishing cycling promote Strathard to visitors. events; improving parking/storage for bikes; and improving the types and detail of information Find Ways to Encourage More available for residents, cyclists, walkers and visitors. Entrepreneurs to Set Up in Strathard
Specifically, the services and facilities at the In Theme 3: Economic Development, Priority 1 is proposed Active Travel Hub detailed within this to ‘Find ways to encourage more entrepreneurs study could potentially contribute to all of the to set up in Strathard’ with one of the proposed following actions: actions stating: ОО Encourage a wider variety of businesses. Develop Trails and a Cycling Hub
In Theme 3: Outdoor Recreation, Priority 1 is to Develop a Holistic, Year-Round Tourism ‘Develop Trails and a Cycling Hub’ by carrying and Economic Strategy out the following proposed actions: In Theme 3: Economic Development, Priority 2 is ОО Develop a cycle path from the village centre to ‘Develop a Holistic, Year-Round Tourism and to the school; Economic Strategy’ with two of the proposed ОО Develop more mountain bike and multi-use actions stating: trails; ОО Produce and install better signs, ОО Upgrade public areas and facilities; and interpretation, maps and leaflets for all paths ОО Investigate what further tourist facilities are and trails; needed and wanted. ОО Approach Forestry Commission Scotland to complete the Inversnaid Cycle Path; ОО Develop a Mountain Biking Centre and promote Strathard as a ‘cycling hub’; and ОО Establish more mountain bike and cycling events. Improve Parking Provision and Policing across Strathard The development of the proposed In Theme 4: Roads, Traffic and Transport: Transport, Priority 2 is to ‘Improve Parking Active Travel Hub in Aberfoyle Provision and Policing across Strathard’ with one could help to realise some of the of the proposed actions stating: priorities and actions listed in the Community Action Plan, particularly ОО Improve parking and management for bikes, in promoting Aberfoyle as a cycling motorbikes and campervans. hub; establishing cycling events; improving parking/storage for bikes; Explore Better Public Transport Services and improving the types and detail Across the Area of information available for cyclists, In Theme 4: Roads, Traffic and Transport: walkers and tourists. Transport, Priority 1 is to Explore Better Public Transport Services Across the Area.
Stirling Council was also awarded funding from Stirling Council Low Carbon Travel and Transport Hub
16 Stirling Council Low Carbon Travel and Transport Hub
Transport Scotland’s Pre-Application Support Council area, 30% completed by visitors, 28% Fund (PASF) to enable development of ideas by commuters, and 1% tourists. A workshop for the European Regional Development Fund was also run with 18 key stakeholders and (ERDF) Low Carbon Travel and Transport (LCTT) community representatives to gain further Challenge Fund. insight to inform the development of the Hub.
Stirling Council is proposing to develop a Some of the key findings relevant for Aberfoyle pilot Park & Choose LCTT Hub to be located were: at the existing Castleview Park & Ride site. This proposed Hub could provide a range of General opportunities to increase active and low carbon travel for communities, commuters, residents ОО The LCTT Park & Choose Hub should be and visitors to Stirling with opportunities for the: progressed as part of the overall integrated transport strategy for the Stirling Council ОО Provision of Low Carbon Transport Options; area taking cognisance of the requirements ОО Provision of Alternative Fuels (including for both the City and the rural surrounds. electricity); ОО Distribution & Collection of Goods; ОО Overall public opinion of the proposed Hub ОО Generation & Storage of Renewable Energy was positive with over 80% of consultees and the Use of Surplus Energy; stating it was either a very good or good ОО Provision of Active Travel options to idea, with a high willingness to use the encourage cycling/walking/running to the majority of the facilities, with the exception of Hub and sustainable transport onwards; alternative fuels. ОО Enhanced Connectivity of the Hub to the City and the Countryside; and ОО A Stakeholder Working Group to support ОО Creation of a Focal Point for Information & on-going consultation should be established Education. with Community Council representatives and other key stakeholders to more fully To assess support for this submission the understand and quantify the purposes of use Council commissioned Nicki Souter Associates for each of the Low Carbon facilities. to carry out a comprehensive community consultation across the Stirling Council area. ОО Connectivity across the Council area needs This involved speaking face to face with to be improved to build confidence and trust Residents, Commuters, Visitors/Shoppers, in the public transport system and for cyclists Tourists and Key Stakeholders across the 7 and walkers. The existing public transport electoral wards, including the Trossachs and network servicing rural areas was deemed to Teith ward. The consultation assessed public be poor and required to be improved as did opinion of the proposed Hub, explored a range the green path network. of services and facilities that could be included and to better understand the barriers and enablers to enable, encourage and engage people to use this facility. An on-line survey was also disseminated via the Council’s website.
In total 421 surveys were completed, 256 face to face and 165 online, with 41% of surveys completed by residents of Stirling and the Active Travel
42% of consultees were willing to use the Active Travel facilities with a further 12% potentially willing to use. Residents and commuters were more willing to use than visitors, with young people more than twice as likely to indicate they would use these facilities compared to people over 60.
67% 63% 59%
Would Use 44% 41% 34% Might Use 26% 24% Would Not Use As % of Sub-Group 15% 11% 9% 6%
18-29 30-44 45-59 60 and over
Age Group
Figure 1: Use of Active Travel by Age Group
Health and fitness, environmental improvements and a reduction in traffic congestion were the primary benefits associated with Active Travel. Other identified benefits included improved connectivity with nature and the environment and the increased opportunities for social interactions and wellbeing.
64%
51% 48%
32% 32%
20% 15% As % of Population Surveyed As % of Population 8% 7% 5% 3%
Improves Better Reduces Avoids Improves Saves Improves Saves It’s No Don’t Health & for the Congestion Parking Air Money Road Time Sociable Answer Know Fitness Environment Hassles Quality Safety
Benefit Figure 2: Identified Benefits Associated with Active Travel The main enablers to encourage uptake were associated with improving the safety and connectivity of the green path network with specific reference made to the importance of keeping cycle paths separate from roads to ensure safety, especially for children, walkers and disabled users. Further suggestions made included providing helmet hire facilities and bells for bikes, and further provision and promotion of Road Safety and Confidence Training courses for cyclists.
50%
36% 32%
21% 20% 14% 13% 12% As % of Population Surveyed As % of Population 10% 5% 4% 3% 2%
Safe Green Well Lit Secure Nothing Electric Changing Bike Bike Provide Bike Bike Don’t Cycle Path Cycle Bike Bike Facilities & Hire Maintenance Waterproofs Lights Share Know Paths Network Paths Storage Hire Lockers Facilities
Enablers
Figure 3: Enablers for Active Travel
Low Carbon Transport Meeting Points and Information
56% of consultees were willing to use Low The main types of information requested Carbon Transport Services with a further 19% were public transport routes and times, real- potentially willing to use. Willingness was time travel information, and walking and similar across all user types; with people over cycling routes. The provision of a smart phone 60 the most likely use the low carbon transport application was also popular, with the preferred facilities, especially electric shuttle buses. functions selected as public transport routes Improvements to air quality and the environment and times (including delays), e-ticketing, and were the primary benefits associated with Low cycling and walking route information. Carbon Transport.
Consultees noted it was critical that any low carbon public transport options should include There is an opportunity for the the rural areas, to ensure better connectivity. Aberfoyle Active Travel Hub to be connected to the Stirling Hub, acting as Alternative Fuels a rural satellite to help improve urban- rural connectivity and sharing services The main enablers to encourage use of such as electric car share schemes, Alternative Fuels were a reduction in the improved public transport connectivity purchasing price of vehicles, the cost of charging, the network of charging infrastructure options, and information sharing such and the driving ranges (this was of particular as the proposed phone App. concern for rural consultees). Methodology
20 Methodology In order to fulfil the objectives and expected outcomes of the Feasibility Study the following four stage methodology was carried out:
Desktop Review
Community Consultation Key Stakeholder Consultation
ОО Trossachs Business ОО Loch Lomond Partnership and Trossachs ОО Forestry Countryside Trust 3 Community Focus Groups Commission ОО Aberfoyle Village (18-29, 30-59, 60+) Scotland People ОО Strathard ОО Trossachs Mobility 184 properties within the village Community Council ОО Strathard News ОО VisitScotland ОО Mountain Bike Skills (39% response rate) ОО Aberfoyle Medical ОО Walk in the Park Centre ОО Forth Environment Businesses (visited and emailed) ОО Stirling Council Link ОО Sir Walter Scott ОО Forth Valley & Steamship Lomond Leader Visitor Survey ОО Loch Lomond and ОО DRT Trossachs National ОО Blazing Saddles Park Authority
Production of Feasibility Report
Stage 1: Desk Top Review
A desk top review was carried out to learn from The desk top research also included a review other areas where Active Travel Hubs were of relevant national and local strategies, plans, already established, and incorporate these policies, transport providers and support learnings into the report. The review focused on organisations and services to ensure the funding, governance, management and staffing, proposed Hub was aligned and relevant to capital and revenue costs, and the range these, and included the: and types of facilities and services that other Hubs offered. The review included gathering ОО Scottish Government’s Cycling Action Plan information on the following hubs: (2010); ОО Scottish Government’s Active Travel Vision ОО Stirling Cycle Hub; (2014); ОО Kilmarnock Active Travel Hub; ОО Transport Scotland’s Review of Active Travel ОО Ayr Active Travel Hub; Policy Implementation (2016); ОО Go Neilston!; ОО Aberfoyle’s Community Action Plan in ОО Holywood Arches Active Travel Hub, East development (2017); Belfast; ОО The Hub Scotland (2017); ОО The Hub, Stockton; and ОО Sustrans; ОО Hull UTravel Active. ОО First Group Scotland; and ОО Stirling Council’s Demand Responsive Table 3: Focus Group Sample Transport (DRT) Service.
Focus Number of This initial stage also involved meeting with Date Gender Stirling Council and Forth Environment Link Group Attendees to identify existing projects, services and 3 Men approaches to avoid duplication of effort 60+ 16/01/17 10 7 Women and to identify opportunities for shared services, knowledge exchange and improving 5 Men connectivity between urban and rural 30-59 16/01/17 10 5 Women settlements. 2 Men 18-29 18/01/17 8 Stage 2: Community Consultation 6 Women
Qualitative research involving focus groups with residents, a facilitated discussion with The 60 and over group were all members of the key stakeholder groups and organisations, ‘Walk in the Park’ group and included the walk and individual stakeholder interviews were the leaders. The 30 – 59 group and the 18 – 29 primary consultation methods selected for this group were recruited from the local community feasibility study rather than a quantitative survey and local businesses, with the former including of the community. residents and representatives from the Village People and Bike Trossachs, and the latter group This type of qualitative research allows a more residents and staff from Loch Katrine, the Post in-depth exploration of the range of topics and Office and Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa. issues to be discussed. This also facilitates the identification of barriers, facilitators and enablers The NSA Director facilitated each group using allowing a detailed understanding to fully inform a comprehensive Topic Guide to guide the the outputs required for this type of feasibility discussion. All discussions were recorded by study. the Data Analyst to allow a detailed thematic analysis across the three groups. In addition a short survey was also used to explore initial views and opinions of visitors The focus groups were used to explore: to the area to ensure the study highlighted requirements for this target group as well as for ОО Potential locations for the proposed Active residents. Travel Hub; ОО The range and type of activities that could Focus Groups be offered at the Hub and the barriers and enablers to encourage use of these facilities; A qualitative research approach using three and focus groups was selected as the best method ОО The types of information and promotion that to consult with the local community about the should be included to best engage with, and proposed Active Travel Hub. The focus groups encourage residents and visitors to actively were sampled from three age profiles: use the Hub and to engage in Active Travel behaviours. ОО 18-29 years old; ОО 30-59 years old; and Each focus group lasted approximately 90 ОО 60 and over. minutes with each attendee receiving a £20 thank you for participating in the discussion. 14 people were recruited for each group by trained staff with the final sample attending the A detailed thematic analysis was carried out groups detailed in Table 3. between and within the three focus groups. This analysis is a method for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns of meaning; it illustrates which themes are important. The analysis the questions but also enabled efficient data explored the participants’ views and opinions, input. Surveys were carried out by community preferences, any barriers and facilitators, and volunteers at the main car park and at the Forth potential locations of the Hub. Differences of Inn. opinion within and between groups for specific terms are highlighted, explored and explained. An electronic version of the survey was also sent to the Chair of the Strathard Community Visitor Survey Council for further dissemination to members. A copy was also sent to the Head Girl in McLaren A survey was also developed to consult with High School to be disseminated to pupils at the visitors and tourists to the area. This short school. survey sought to explore: In total 39 surveys were completed and were ОО Public opinion towards the Active Travel analysed in Excel by the Data Analyst. Hub; ОО Potential use of the Hub’s services and Key Stakeholder Consultation facilities; ОО Perceived benefits of Active Travel; Key community and business stakeholders from ОО Enablers and Barriers of Active Travel; Aberfoyle and the surrounding area were invited ОО Preferred types of information provided; to attend a facilitated discussion to discuss the ОО Suggestions as to how to improve public proposed Active Travel Hub as summarised transport networks; and below: ОО Any other comments made. ОО Aberfoyle Medical Centre; The survey methodology used face-to-face ОО Aberfoyle Village People; printed surveys. The survey was laid out in a ОО Mountain Bike Skills Park; pre-coded format, which not only allowed the ОО Blazing Saddles; surveyors to quickly record the responses to ОО Business Improvement Districts Scotland; ОО Forestry Commission Scotland; barriers and facilitators raised by the attendees ОО Loch Lomond and Trossachs Countryside to the proposed hub. The Public Transport Co- Trust; ordination Team Leader from Stirling Council ОО Stirling Council /Demand Responsive also provided a brief description of the DRT Transport Service; service and it’s operation to the attendees. The ОО Forth Valley & Lomond Leader; workshop was facilitated by staff from Nicki ОО Loch Lomond and the Trossachs’ National Souter Associates, with a detailed record of the Park Authority; meeting noted. ОО Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa; The discussion sought to explore: ОО Sir Walter Scott Steamship Ltd at Loch Katrine; ОО General opinions of the proposed Active ОО Stirling Council; Travel Hub; ОО Strathard Community Council; ОО The range and type of activities that the ОО Strathard News; Active Travel Hub could provide for the local ОО Trossachs Mobility; community; ОО Trossachs Business Partnership; and ОО Any concerns, issues and barriers associated ОО VisitScotland. with the proposed Hub and how these could be overcome; In total 11 stakeholders attended the discussion ОО How to avoid duplication of effort and which was run the on 17th January, with optimise local community/business/ representation from 9 organisations: organisational involvement; ОО Potential Active Travel Hub locations within ОО Aberfoyle Village People (x2); Aberfoyle; ОО Business Improvement District Scotland; ОО Opportunities for partnership working and ОО Stirling Council/ Demand Responsive local support; and Transport Service; ОО Potential governance and management ОО Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa; structures. ОО Sir Walter Scott Steamship Ltd at Loch Katrine; As well as the facilitated discussion, a ОО Forth Valley & Lomond Leader; combination of additional meetings, telephone ОО Stirling Council; interviews and email correspondence were ОО Strathard News; carried out with the following stakeholders: ОО Strathard Community Council; and ОО Trossachs Business Partnership. ОО Aberfoyle Medical Centre; ОО Blazing Saddles; A presentation was delivered to the attendees ОО Dounans Scottish Outdoor Education Centre; (slides can be seen in Appendix 1). This covered ОО First Group Scotland; an overview of the project, the timescales ОО Forestry Commission Scotland; and approach of delivery, the results of the ОО Forth Environment Link; community consultation, highlighting the ОО Loch Lomond and Trossachs Countryside range and types of service the Hub could Trust; offer, the potential locations for the Hub, and ОО Loch Lomond and the Trossachs’ National the potential governance model that might Park Authority; be used. The presentation was used to help ОО Trossachs Mobility; and facilitate discussion and explore the opinions, ОО VisitScotland. Findings and Recommendations
25 Findings and Recommendations The Active Travel Hub being proposed for Both local residents and visitors indicated they Aberfoyle is to provide a new resource for the would be willing to use an Active Travel Hub local community and visitors to participate in a located in the village. Results from the surveys range of active travel services and facilities. indicated that overall, approximately three quarters (74%) of all respondents (local residents The findings from the 3 community focus groups, and visitors) would be willing to use the facility the visitor and on-line surveys, and the key with a further 18% indicating they might (Fig. 5). stakeholder facilitated discussion were used to: 74% ОО Gauge public opinion of the proposed Hub; ОО Identify the key services and facilities the Hub could offer; ОО Explore the opportunities for partnership working; and ОО Investigate the most suitable location, governance and management structures that could support the successful development and implementation of the Hub.
General Opinion of the Proposed Active 18% Travel Hub Surveyed As % of Population Overall general public opinion of the proposed 5% 3% Active Travel Hub was positive with it being well received by the majority of people either Willing Might Will Not Don’t attending the Focus Groups, during the to Use Use Use Know facilitated discussion or completing a survey. 92% of the survey respondents identified that it Response was a very good or good idea (Fig. 4).
Figure 5: Willingness to Use the Active Travel Hub 69%
During the Focus Groups and the stakeholder discussion it was noted that it would be crucial
to ensure the facilities and services offered by the proposed Active Travel Hub catered for local
residents as well as visitors. It was identified that it was important to ensure the services provided met the active travel needs of the whole community reflecting the different ages, abilities,“ 23% mobility and accessibility requirements.
As % of Population Surveyed As % of Population 3% 5% 0% Aberfoyle is built for it. Very Good OK Poor Very Good Idea Idea Poor 18-29 Focus Group Attendee Idea Response Idea Figure 4: General Opinion of the Active Travel Hub “ The scope of what the Active Travel Hub should and should not include was recognised as important, and that system boundaries for the Hub should be set out at an early stage of development to avoid duplication of effort and to ensure it aligned to existing services, economic development opportunities, strategies and plans. For example, some of the key services suggested as part of the Active Travel Hub could support the delivery of the Community Action Plan and these opportunities are highlighted in this results section of the study.
Other areas that might also lead to potential duplication identified during the discussions were:
ОО Information provision – it will be important not to duplicate information currently provided by VisitScotland, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, or Forestry Commission Scotland; ОО Potential competition with retail outlets – it will be important that the Hub does not compete with potential economic development opportunities for new businesses to establish in Aberfoyle, for example, a cycle shop or an outdoor specialist retailer; and ОО Ensure local relevant specialists and providers are included. For example, by linking to existing programmes and groups that can support the Hub’s service delivery, such as: »» Walk in the Park; »» Bike Trossachs;
»» Trossachs Mobility; »» Blazing Saddles;
»» Forth Environment Link; »» Katrine Wheelz; »» Aberfoyle Village People; and »» Community Volunteers. “
Anything that puts Aberfoyle on the map is a good thing. “ 30-59 Focus Group Attendee Benefits Associated with the Proposed The Focus Group attendees and the key Active Travel Hub stakeholders identified these, and other benefits during the facilitated discussions, which The survey respondents identified a wide range included the potential opportunities to: of benefits associated with the establishment of an Active Travel Hub in Aberfoyle (Fig. 6) with ОО Improve accessibility and mobility for local the primary benefits identified as: residents and visitors; ОО Strengthen the identity, appeal and ОО Improved health and wellbeing; community pride in the village by helping ОО Improved social interaction; and to establish Aberfoyle as a ‘go to place’ ОО The environmental benefits of using low for rural Active Travel. This was specifically carbon forms of transport and having the highlighted by the 18 – 29 group who noted opportunity to experience nature ‘close up’. that the development of the Hub could help to ‘rebrand’ the village, and help to attract Other benefits were primarily linked to investment; improvements in air quality, road safety and ОО Improve economic development congestion as a direct result of the reduction in opportunities which might arise once the the use of cars. Hub was successfully established within the village; and ОО Improve connectivity between Aberfoyle and “ the surrounding area.
It’s not just about the destination, it’s the experience of the journey. “
“18-29 Focus Group Attendee
Would help people to manoeuvre around the village. “30-59 Focus Group Attendee
29% 24%
12% 12% 6% 5% 7% As % of Population Surveyed As % of Population 2% 1% 0%
Improves Reduces Improves Improves Environmental It’s Closer to Avoids Saves Saves Health & Congestion Road Air Sociable Nature Parking Money Time Fitness Safety Quality Hassles
Benefits
Figure 6: Benefits Associated with Active Travel Potential Locations for the Active Travel new showering facilities, and bike stands located Hub adjacent to the entrance.
Three potential locations for the Active Travel Dis-benefits associated with this location were Hub were identified in the Focus Groups and identified as the loss of car parking spaces during the Stakeholder Discussion: for local residents, the potential for increased traffic congestion in and around the car park ОО Leasing the empty Woollen Mill building on especially if the hub attracted a greater number the main street; of visitors, and whether this location would ОО Leasing the empty Rainbows End building on reduce visitor numbers to businesses located on the main street; and the main street. ОО Leasing and co-locating in the VisitScotland iCentre. Several members of the 18 – 29 group suggested purchasing additional storage The benefits and dis-benefits of each were containers that could be used to store bikes and explored with the attendees. locating these within the “back car park” behind the Scottish Wool Centre to help reduce any The two high street locations were preferred potential congestion directly in and around the by a few of the group members because Hub entrance. of the increased space afforded by these properties since they would function solely as Initial discussions with the Facilities and the Active Travel Hub (i.e. there was no sharing Operational Managers at VisitScotland to of services). In addition, if either of these two investigate the feasibility of co-location have properties were used this would reduce the been positive with the potential to rent 75 sq number of empty commercial properties on the metres within the existing building for use as the main street, and could attract more visitors to Active Travel Hub. The opportunity for the two this location. services to be complementary was welcomed as long as there was no duplication in information Dis-benefits associated with either of these provision, and the hub followed VisitScotland’s locations were the cost of leasing compared opening hours. There was a recognition that to the VisitScotland property, the potential for this shared facility could strengthen the overall increased congestion for pedestrians and traffic visitor experience whilst providing a valuable on the main street, increased safety concerns resource for the local community. associated with access directly onto the main road through the village, and the loss of a Service Provision and Refurbishment potential location for a new private enterprise. The consultation exercise using focus groups, Overall, the preferred location was the existing stakeholder discussions, interviews and the VisitScotland iCentre, located between the main visitor survey provided a clear direction of street and the village car parks. The benefits the services and facilities that the proposed associated with this location included that the Active Travel Hub should contain and these are building was a large modern inviting space described in detail the following sections of this currently used by VisitScotland (but not to its full study. potential) and there was the opportunity to realise cost savings to both enterprises as a result of The community vision for the Hub was to sharing this space. The building has two entrances establish, build and support the development and therefore the Hub could have a separate of Aberfoyle as a ‘go to’ rural location for Active entrance located adjacent to the car park. This Travel and to provide a range of services and would help to overcome the congestion and facilities that were accessible, effective and safety concerns associated with the other main practical for local residents and visitors. street premises. It was noted there was already disabled access, an existing toilet block which is In terms of the actual physical hub space and currently being upgraded and which could include what it should contain, and how it should look the following suggestions were made by the bottles, a bike maintenance vending machine focus group consultees and key stakeholder for inner tubes were all suggested as facilities groups and organisations: that could be located within the Hub and would benefit the Active Travel users. It was identified that the Hub should be a bright, contemporary and welcoming space to In keeping with the clear and contemporary encourage local residents and visitors to use feel the group noted that all signage should be and revisit this was very important to the 18 – 29 clear and informative, with engaging images, group members. A suggestion was made that interpretation boards, electronic screens the branding developed by Forth Environment and the large Active Travel display map and
Link for the Stirling Cycle Hub and subsequently leaflets and display stands all part of the Hub’s used for the Ayr and Kilmarnock Active Travel infrastructure to engage and provide valuable
Hubs could also be used by the Aberfoyle Hub. information for the users. Each of these facilities Branding would also need to considered in the are described in detail in the following sections context of the Aberfoyle Hub also being a rural “ within this study. satellite hub of the Stirling Low Carbon Travel “ and Transport Park & Choose Hub. The hub should be aesthetically pleasing - Decent coffee and a smile. inside and out. “ 18-29 Focus Group Attendee “18-29 Focus Group Attendee
Members of both the 60+ and the 18 – 29 Suggestions were also made for free WiFI and Focus groups suggested that the Hub should a public computer terminal for downloading have comfortable indoor seating and external individual route planning, maps and active seating to encourage people to use the Hub travel information. Standard office furniture as a meeting place for led walks and rides, and would also need to be purchased for the Active as a waiting area for public transport services. Travel Staff and Volunteers and would include Residents also suggested that a coffee/tea two desks and chairs, a reception desk, two machine and light snacks/cakes produced by staff computers, shelving and display racks a local supplier could also be provided. It was for leaflets, timetables and other specific noted however that it was important that the information directly related to Active Travel Hub should actively promote the range of eating facilities. and drinking establishments in the village, and not be in direct competition with existing Improving Connectivity businesses. “ Inadequate connectivity between Aberfoyle and other rural settlements, as well as to Stirling and Glasgow, were of major concern to We could hold our Walk in the local residents. The current provision of public Park meetings in the new hub. transport services and confusion around how the DRT Service operates were raised as issues in all groups. It was noted that the time taken to 60+ Focus Group Attendee travel from Aberfoyle to Stirling was prohibitive “ and that there was no direct bus service to Glasgow. Other barriers identified included the inability to transport bikes on public transport Showers, toilets, a drying room for wet clothes and the lack of a safe green path network and equipment, lockers and a tap to fill up water between Aberfolye and other settlements, including Stirling. These barriers resulted in Other opportunities to overcome connectivity local residents and visitors travelling to and barriers were identified as: from Aberfoyle by car rather than using public transport. ОО Exploring the opportunities with public transport operators to provide bike carrying The potential for an electric car share scheme, facilities on buses; including the possibility of a shared service ОО Improved promotion and clear information between Aberfoyle and the Stirling Council about the existing DRT service and how it Electric Car Club as part of the proposed operates; and Stirling Council LCTT Park & Choose Hub, ОО Improved public transport information. was well received by the group attendees. It was suggested in several of the groups that If an electric car share scheme was introduced an electric minibus might be preferable and to Aberfoyle there would be a requirement for be more effective to meet the needs of the additional electric charging points. Costs have community. The electric minibus could operate been included for two fast chargers (full charge across the local area and be used to transport in 3 – 4 hours) and a marketing allowance to elderly or less mobile residents to and from promote this service within this report. appointments, and provide a hop-on hop-off public transport service to enable residents to Concern was raised by several attendees with commute to local businesses. It was suggested regards the potential loss of car parking spaces by members of the 18-29 group that this minibus if additional electric charging points and parking could provide a similar service to the now spaces for electric cars were introduced. This decommissioned Trossachs Trundler, which concern should be addressed as part of the was a seasonal hop-on hop-off service which Community Action Plan. transported people on a circular route round the National Park. Active Travel Facilities and Services Cycling Centre based in Callendar. Members in the 18 – 29 group suggested using additional A wide range of facilities and services were containers located at the back car park to store identified during the consultation exercise that the bikes and equipment for hire to help reduce the proposed Active Travel Hub could provide: any potential congestion issues that might arise in and around the hub. Cycling Cycling Costs have been allocated within this submission for the provision of bikes, electric Bike and Electric Bike and bikes and equipment hire, and the storage Equipment Hire Facilities containers, with a marketing allowance to promote this service. The provision of this type of facility at the Hub could provide Accessible Cycling a valuable resource for both visitors and local residents and would help to encourage uptake. Ensuring that the cycling services and support 18 – 29 Focus Group attendees noted this type of provided were accessible to all members of the facility might be of particular interest to overseas community and visitors including young children, visitors, and holiday makers who might not be able elderly users and people with limited mobility to bring their bikes with them on holiday but would was an important consideration highlighted by welcome the opportunity to cycle around the local many group attendees. It was suggested that in area. Just over a third of the visitors surveyed addition to bike and electric bike hire, all-terrain indicated they would be willing to use this type mobility scooters, child bike trailers and Twizy’s of facility when visiting Aberfoyle. Cyclists who (small electric vehicles) should also be available attended the 30-59 focus group thought the Hub to hire from the Hub to support improved should definitely provide this service, and that it accessibility and mobility. Costs have been could be a big success as it would capitalise on a allocated within this submission for the provision current gap in the market. It was also suggested of these additional resources with a marketing that this service might be provided in partnership allowance to promote this service. with an existing business such as the Wheels Consideration should also be given to Group attendees referenced the success of partnering with two local organisations other bike share schemes such as the nextbike Blazing Saddles and Trossachs Mobility to scheme operating in Stirling, and the Santander further enhance accessibility and discussions Cycle Scheme in London (‘Boris Bikes’). Group have taken place with both organisations to attendees in the 18 – 29 group noted that this understand how their services could support the type of scheme would work in Aberfoyle as it Hub: could help to improve connectivity between the rural settlements where public transport services ОО Blazing Saddles would be willing to provide are poor and help them commute to work. training and the hire of adaptive bikes, and costs have been provided within this Costs have been allocated within this submission as an additional facility that could submission for the provision of three bike be considered. stations each containing ten bikes, with a ОО Trossachs Mobility would be willing to hire marketing allowance to promote this service. out all-terrain wheelchairs and provide There is also the potential to expand this type of servicing, training, advice and support, service as part of the Stirling Low Carbon Travel and costs have been provided within this and Transport Hub. submission as an additional service that could be considered. Other Cycling Opportunities
Bike Share Scheme Led Rides
This is a service in which bicycles are made The Aberfoyle Active Travel Hub could also available for shared use to individuals on a short- consider offering led rides for residents and term basis, allowing people to borrow a bike visitors. This could be delivered by working from point “A” and return it at point “B”. Provision in partnership with Bike Trossachs and Forth of this type of service could provide a valuable Environment Link who could help to establish resource for both visitors and local residents this within the hub, train and upskill Hub staff and would also help to encourage uptake. and volunteers, and provide on-going advice and support. The type of Led Rides that could how the Hub could support and link with local be provided could be similar to those offered as schools to teach children about active travel and part of the Stirling Cycle Hub: sustainability. This could extend to providing support for schemes such as Young Scot and ОО Club rides; the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. One attendee ОО Weekly meanders – slow-paced, social rides in the 60+ group put forward the idea that a aimed at those returning to cycling after a training room could be built into the Hub and long break, injury or those who have never used to run training courses. cycled before; ОО Family rides – trying to overcome the The Mountain Bike Skills Park barriers families have of cycling with young children – illustrating safe routes and The Aberfoyle Active Travel Hub could help combining that with a led ride to a local to actively promote this resource and the interest family venue; and opportunities it provides for local and visiting ОО Led commutes – working with employees mountain bikers of all ages to become more who would like to commute by bike but lack proficient and skilled at mountain biking. the knowledge, experience or confidence to do so. Other Cycling Support Services
Events Bike Maintenance
The Aberfoyle Active Travel Hub could actively The provision of this type of facility at the Hub promote and hold cycling events such night was identified as being essential and should be rides, cycling talks and presentations, as well provided by local suppliers, with 41% of people as the established mountain bike ‘Slip n’ Slide’ surveyed requested this service. It was suggested festival which takes place every year between that the community garage located in the village Christmas and New Year. Other events in the could provide this service and that a mobile Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park could bike pressure washer could also be located be organised and promoted through partnership there. In addition it was also identified that a bike working with Bike Trossachs. vending machine containing inner tubes should be provided at the Hub. Costs for this have been Cycle Training and Other Educational Links included within this submission with a marketing allowance to promote these services. Providing various types of cycling training was identified as a further service the Active Travel Hub could provide. The types of classes suggested were:
ОО Bike Maintenance and Repair; ОО Cycle Proficiency and Confidence Training; and ОО Mountain Bike Skills Training.
It was noted that it was important not to duplicate effort but again to link in with local service providers, noted as Bike Trossachs and Forth Environment Link, as potential partners to deliver training.
Other suggestions made during the group discussions included the importance of investigating how the Hub could provide active travel support for younger people and explore Bike Storage and Stands Costs have been allocated within this submission for the provision of walking Currently within Aberfoyle there is a bike stand equipment hire, with a marketing allowance to for ten bikes located at the back entrance to the promote this service. VisitScotland iCentre. Consultees suggested that this existing provision would need to be Accessible Walking increased to meet the needs of the Hub and help to further encourage Active Travel (as Ensuring that some walking paths and noted by 26% of the survey respondents). networks were accessible to all members of Secure coin operated bike lockers were also the community and visitors including young suggested during the Focus groups as an children, elderly users and people with limited additional enabler. Costs for the provision of 10 mobility was an important consideration additional bike stands and 10 lockers have been highlighted by many group attendees. The provided in this submission. development of more multi-use trails is one of the priorities in the Community Action Plan:
Drying Room Theme 3: Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development, and the proposed Hub could In addition a couple of attendees suggested that support the development and implementation of the Hub could also include a drying room which some of the actions identified within this theme.“ could be used by cyclists and walkers to dry their wet equipment and clothes.
Walking Every hour walked is an extra hour on your life. It is essential that the Active Travel Hub does not solely 60+ Focus Group Attendee focus on cycling services and “ facilities but also provides and supports walkers to make full use of the facilities on offer in The Travel Hub could provide the venue and and around Aberfoyle. 36% of meeting location for the weekly led walk service people surveyed indicated they provided by the local Walk in the Park group. had come to the area to walk. These free health and wellbeing walks led by trained volunteers are tailored for people with Walking Equipment Hire Facilities different walking abilities, from those who are just beginning to exercise, to up to an hour for It was identified that the provision of this those who are more able. type of facility at the Hub could provide a valuable resource for both visitors and local Group attendees suggested that many of the residents and would help to encourage uptake. existing routes and pathways could be improved Equipment suggested included walking boots, and upgraded to ensure they were accessible poles and waterproofs. and safe for people with limited mobility “ including for use with prams and wheelchairs. Suggestions were also made in several of the groups to have separate paths for walkers and cyclists and to provide benches along various Rent-a-Boot is routes for people to rest and enjoy the locations. a great idea. “18-29 Focus Group Attendee Other Walking Opportunities
Led Walks
Other led walks could also be provided by other local providers, and suggestions were made to partner with the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority and Forestry Commission Scotland to further explore this.
Events
The Aberfoyle Active Travel Hub could actively promote and hold other walking events such as night walks, nature and biodiversity walks, talks and presentations.
Costs have been allocated within this submission for the provision of these additional resources with a marketing allowance to promote these events. Information, Marketing and Promotion Cycling and Walking Networks and Pathways One of the primary functions identified by all consultees that the Active Travel Hub could Signage provide was information for residents and visitors. It was recognised that any information There was a consensus in all groups that the should not duplicate that provided by current quality and coverage of signage across VisitScotland but should be specific for and the network for both cyclists and walkers could support active travel behaviours and activities. be improved. This has already been recognised as a key priority within the Strathard Community A wide range of different types of information Action Plan. were suggested as detailed in Table 4. The majority of these could be provided by the Hub Many attendees reported people getting lost, with the exception of the specific tourist and a lack of knowledge where routes started and local retail and food outlet information which ended, and people being unprepared for certain would be best provided by VisitSotland. paths. Suggestions put forward to improve the existing signage included: Table 4: Types of Information Provision Required ОО Improving the directional signage within the village to provide initial information to Types of Information % Surveyed the various paths and networks and to the Mountain Bikes Skills Park; and ОО Produce new signage for both walking and Cycling networks and pathways 72% cycling paths which provide a summary of the route on interpretation boards at the Walking networks and pathways 64% start of the route (including information about the distance, level of difficulty and terrain, and the types of walking/cycling equipment Local retail/food outlets 54% that should be used to safely complete each route). The different routes could be colour Public Transport Routes and coded and distance markers aligned to each 46% Times coloured route provided at regular intervals. Travel Options to and from 44% Aberfoyle
Real-Time Travel Information 41%
Electric Bike Hire 41%
Tourist Information 33%
Ticketing Information 31%
Bike Hire 26% Costs have been allocated within this submission for the provision of signs within the Hub not for the route signage that would DRT Service booking and 23% have to be jointly managed with other key waiting information stakeholders. Active Travel Maps and Leaflets and Other Costs have been allocated within this Communication Methods submission for the provision of the Active Travel Maps and Leaflets. In addition to upgrading and improving existing informational and directional signage Mobile Phone Application and Mobile the attendees also suggested the following Connectivity communication methods that would improve awareness and use of the existing paths and Having up-to-date information was identified networks for both cyclists and walkers. Lack in all groups as being important. As well as of reliable and up to-date information was the Active Travel map it was suggested that a identified as a primary barrier to use of the mobile phone app could be developed which existing networks and paths. could provide a range of services including:
It was noted there was a requirement for better ОО Real-time public transport and travel information; information sharing between organisations with ОО Walking and cycling maps and route specific references made to the Loch Lomond information; and Trossachs National Park Authority, Forestry ОО Downloadable maps; Commission Scotland and the cycling and ОО Online hiring and payment facilities for all walking community. This would help to ensure equipment hire; there was up-to-date information about which ОО E-ticketing; routes were open or closed, and any changes to ОО Local business information; and existing routes (e.g. as a result of felling activities, ОО Weather. or for ecological/environmental reasons).
Active Travel Map
Focus Group attendees suggested that a large Active Travel Display Map could be produced and be displayed in the Hub. This map could clearly display the full range of active travel opportunities offered in the area to include:
ОО The cycling and walking routes: including location, distance, levels of difficulty, levels of accessibility and mobility and whether the routes were open or closed, and where WiFi Hot Spots were located; and ОО The public transport network and the coverage area for the DRT service, where bike and car share schemes and charging facilities were located.
Members in the 60+ group suggested that two maps should be produced for both inside and outside the Hub to ensure people could still access information if the Hub was closed.
Active Travel Leaflets
It was also suggested that short colourful There was a recognition across the groups leaflets should be produced for the various about current levels of mobile connectivity cycling and walking routes available from the across the area and as such the usefulness of Hub. an App at the current time might be limited. Stirling Council are proposing to include the local businesses could help promote and the development of a Low Carbon Travel & direct people towards the Hub. Transport App as part of their ERDF Funding Submission and there is the potential for the Other suggestions included promoting other Aberfoyle information to be included within this. types of active travel activities, suggested as horse riding and kayaking, to help to ensure the It was also suggested that having free WiFi Hub would appeal to the widest range of people access available at the Hub would help, as and to help to establish it as the ‘go to’ location would mapping the mobile hotspots across each for Active Travel. of the paths and networks. This would help to ensure if people were lost or in need of help, Marketing and Promotion they could use their mobile phones at these locations. All of the groups identified having a robust and effective communication strategy that deployed Other Information a range of marketing and advertising channels as essential to help promote and support It was suggested that the Hub could have two awareness and use of the Hub. Key channels electronic screens: one that promoted and identified included: publicised events, led walks, cycles and other activities; and one which highlighted routing and ОО Social and Digital Media Strategy including public transport information, including changes the use of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; to timetables and route closures. ОО Active travel hub website – to be developed; ОО Strathard News Articles; Other suggestions included having ОО Community Notice Boards; interpretation boards located at the Hub that ОО Map and Leaflets; could be used for training and educational ОО Interpretation Boards; and purposes. ОО Mobile Phone App (if co-developed with Stirling Council). Alongside advertising local events, the focus groups were keen for the Hub to work with and Costs have been allocated within this promote local businesses, though the provision submission for the provision of marketing and of leaflets, brochures and signposting. In return promotion. Governance Management and Staffing
A recommended community based Governance Model for the Active Travel Hub in Aberfoyle is presented in Figure 7.
Hub Advisory Group Co-opt technical experts Community Representatives and advisors as required and Organisations
Recruited and employed by Stirling Operational Management Council or through a third party contractor, such as Forth Environment Active Travel Hub Manager (1.0 FTE) Link, or another organisation identified by the community
Active Travel Community Hub Officer Volunteer (0.5 FTE) Network
Figure 7: Recommended Governance Model
In this proposed model the top tier would ОО Trossachs Business Partnership (Chair comprise of a Hub Advisory Group made confirmed); up of local community representatives, local ОО VisitScotland; and organisations and stakeholders. This group ОО Walk in the Park (Confirmed). could comprise of the following community representatives, all of whom have been invited There would also be the opportunity to co- to participate in this group: opt and welcome other advisors/technical experts to the group when required during the ОО Aberfoyle Village People (confirmed); establishment and development phase of the ОО Aberfoyle Medical Centre; Hub in Year 1, and in subsequent years once the ОО Bike Trossachs (confirmed) Hub has been established. ОО FirstGroup Buses; ОО Forestry Commission Scotland; The remit for the Hub Advisory Group would ОО Forth Environment Link (confirmed); be to oversee the strategic direction, scrutiny ОО Loch Lomond and Trossachs Countryside and financial accountability of the Hub, and Trust; provide expert guidance and strategic direction ОО Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to support the development, refurbishment, Authority; and establishment of the Active Travel Hub in ОО Sir Walter Scott Steamship Ltd at Loch Aberfoyle. Katrine (confirmed); ОО Stirling Council (confirmed); The group would also be tasked with identifying ОО Strathard Community Council (confirmed); new funding, partnership, and local economic development opportunities to sustain the Hub in the long term. In Year 1 the group would also provide requirements to deliver this have been identified a mechanism by which knowledge and as an Active Travel Hub F/T Manager and information exchange could take place between supported by a second employee P/T Active the group members to support the development Travel Hub Officer with further support provided of the suite of information and marketing by community volunteers. collateral that is to be developed to promote the Hub. The staff roles and responsibilities would align to the National Rules on Eligibility of Expenditure The group would also facilitate the provision of of the European Structural and Investment up to date and accurate information to inform Funds, and would specifically include: the display map, leaflets, timetables etc. to be used by the Active Travel users. ОО Assisting in the project management of the initial set-up of the Hub, including the The group would develop legacy targets for The refurbishment, infrastructure, fittings and Hub to achieve within a set time-frame, allowing furnishings; for key milestones to be met and monitored and ОО Outreach activity with local groups and evaluated on a quarterly basis in Year 1, and for businesses to achieve lasting relationships subsequent years. and partnerships to ensure the viability of the hub; It is envisioned that the Hub Advisory Group ОО Marketing and promotion of the hub to the would meet on a more regular basis during the local community, surrounding areas and first year of the Active Travel Hub and then three visitors; times a year thereafter. ОО Community engagement and recruitment of volunteers; and The second tier of the Governance Structure ОО Evaluation on the Hub’s role in the would oversee the day-to-day operational community, its successes and benefits, and management to establish and maintain the its future priorities and actions. hub for the community. The necessary staffing The requirement for Active Travel Hub staff If the Aberfoyle Active Travel Hub is submitted as was identified as being essential to ensure the part of the Stirling Council bid it is proposed that hub could be successfully established within the Active Travel Hub staff could be recruited and Aberfoyle. Specifically key activities for the staff employed by Stirling Council. Alternatively staff in Year 1 would include: could be provided by a third-party contractor, such as Forth Environment Link who have ОО The development of a detailed design and considerable experience of setting up and refurbishment plan. This could include, for refurbishing similar Hubs and providing strategic example: advice and support for communities, or another »» Detailed drawings showing proposed organisation identified by the community. Hub layout including internal and external space allocation; »» Project managing the refurbishment of the hub; and »» Interior design of the Hub including signage, displays and wall art.
ОО The development of a detailed operational plan. This could include, for example: »» The booking and hiring system for all active travel facilities; »» The location for the bike stations and charging points; »» Logistic management for pick up and return of bikes to bike stations; and »» Monitoring and evaluation of hub users (numbers and purpose) to establish a baseline based on actual usage. ОО The development of a communication and marketing plan. This could include, for example: »» Brand development and application; »» Community outreach strategy; »» Marketing and advertising; »» Launch activity; »» Digital and media strategy; and »» Promotional information and educational resources (e.g. maps, leaflets etc.).
The Active Travel Hub Manager would report directly to the Hub Advisory Group on a quarterly basis and would oversee the day to day responsibilities of the Active Travel Officer.
One of the key considerations identified across the community was to ensure any Active Travel Hub staff were local residents with local knowledge and active travel involvement and skills. Financial Model
43 Financial Model The costs supplied with this feasibility study ОО The electric car share scheme (The Stirling have been reviewed against the European Council Car Club Scheme) proposed in Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020 Stirling Bid could be extended out for use Programmes – National Rules on Eligibility of as part of the Aberfoyle Hub to demonstrate Expenditure and are primarily for capital funding how this approach could work in a rural to cover eligible costs including, but not limited setting. The opportunity for a shared electric to: pre-contract and contract implementation mini bus for the village as identified in this costs; purchase of equipment; purchase study can be discussed in the context of the of moveable infrastructure; and marketing. share scheme; and Some eligible revenue funding for services ОО Stirling Council are proposing to develop a up to December 2018 are included to cover: phone App as part of their bid, and therefore marketing and promotion; outreach activity; there is the potential to include the Aberfoyle insurance; premises costs; and direct staff costs. data requirements within this App. Though costs are supplied for 3 years, separate funding would be sought for the final year, and Supplementary information and costs have been is not part of this funding bid. provided for the Aberfoyle Active Travel to link to other local service providers whose services The costs supplied cover 7 principle services could support improved accessibility across the and facilities: area. These costs are not included within the financial model but have been included for the ОО Premises Costs based upon the strategic group to consider: VisitScotland iCentre location; ОО Infrastructure and Fittings including ОО Partnership with FABB/Blazing Saddles to: refurbishment, plumbing and lighting; »» Audit routes for their potential ОО Staffing; accessibility for adaptive bikes, at a ОО Marketing and Information; price of £105 per person per day in ОО Cycling Facilities and Services; Year 1; ОО Walking Facilities and Services; and »» Provide a family fund package and a ОО Connectivity Facilities and Services. follow up package at £3000 each in Year 2; and Joint Bidding with Stirling Council »» Carry out community fundraising in Year 3 to purchase a set of adaptive The final costs for Years 1 and 2 of this project bikes for Aberfoyle at £22-£25,000 do not meet the minimum requirement of for adult bikes and £15-£20,000 for £500,000. However, Lowlands and Uplands children’s bikes. regions can apply for £200,000 but would need to provide match funding of £300,000 to ОО Partnership with Trossachs Mobility to achieve the minimum funding bid. provide all-terrain wheelchairs for hire: »» £100 for every 2 days of hire, On this basis, it is recommended that Aberfoyle alongside a £25 training fee; and Active Travel bid is included within the Stirling »» £7,500 annual hiring fee, including 3 Council Low Carbon Travel and Transport monthly servicing, training and advice. Park & Choose bid to the ERDF fund, in the context of Aberfoyle being a rural satellite hub of the Stirling Hub. This approach would improve urban-rural connectivity and ensure the minimum funding requirements were met. This approach could provide additional benefits for the Aberfoyle Active Travel Hub:
Revenue 2019 2017 Costs Revenue 2018 (January to Principle Services and Facilities (April to (January to December) December) December) Funding To Be Confirmed
Premises’ Costs Based on VisitScotland Site, including: £8,687.02 £13,030.53 £13,030.53 Rents, Utilities, Insurance.
Hub Infrastructure and Furnishings, including: Lighting, Plumbing, Fittings, Refurbishments, Signs, Bike Storage £46,304.98 £1,400.55 £ 1,400.55 Containers, Storage, Furniture, IT, Telephones, Office Supplies.
Staffing, including: Salary for 1.5 Staff to carry out project management and refurbishment for the set-up of the Hub, outreach activity, marketing, £31,448.33 £46,572.49 £46,572.49 promotion, community engagement and evaluation; Expenses and Recruitment.
Marketing and Information, including: Marketing Collateral, Information £17,166.67 £6,250.00 £6,250.00 Maps, Website Development.
Cycling Facilities and Services, including: Bike Hire, Electric Bike Hire, Bike Equipment, Maintenance £57,875.00 £435.00 £435.00 Facilities.
Walking Facilities and Services, including: Equipment Hire. £5,000.00 N/A N/A
Connectivity Services, including: Electric Car Charging Points and £10,368.88 £3,052.32 £3,052.32 Leasing of Renault Twizys.
TOTAL £176,850.87 £70,740.89 £70,740.89
All costs have been provided exclusive of VAT, for non-VAT registered organisations 20% should be assigned to each listed cost. Appendices
46 Appendix 1 - Workshop Presentation
Aberfoyle Active Travel Hub Introduction
Trossachs Business Partnership • Establish an Active Travel Hub within Aberfoyle.
• Provide an enhanced, co-ordinated and improved cycling, walking and travel service for the community and visitors across the area.
• The village is increasingly used by cyclists, and already has an established Mountain Bikes Skills Park set up in 2014 by Bike Trossachs and Collective Trax. Nicki Souter Associates • 17th January 2017 Nicki Souter • Active travel hubs are being ASSOCIATES established across Scotland.
Feasibility Study Feasibility Study
• Trossachs Business Partnership • Capital fund to support the Desktop Review (TBP) successfully applied for development of hubs which focus Transport Scotland’s Low Carbon on active travel and/or low carbon Travel & Transport Pre-Application transport. Community Consultation Key Stakeholder Consultation Support Fund (PASF). Trossachs Business Loch Lomond and • Transport Scotland appointed Partnership Trossachs National Park Authority • One of 39 successful bids - up to Energy Savings Trust to manage 3 Community Focus Groups Forestry Commission Loch Lomond and £10,000. this fund. (18-29, 30-59, 60+) Strathard Community Trossachs Countryside Council Trust
184 properties within the village VisitScotland Aberfoyle Village People • Feasibility study to develop a • Commissioned to undertake (39% response rate) Aberfoyle Medical Centre Trossachs Mobility strong bid for the Low Carbon feasibility study (6th - 20th Businesses (visited and emailed) Stirling Council Strathard News Travel & Transport (LCTT) January 2017) with submission of Sir Walter Scott Steamship Mountain Bike Skills
Challenge Fund - European bid by 27th January 2017. Visitor Survey DRT Walk in the Park Regional Development Fund Blazing Saddles Forth Environment Link (ERDF)
Production of Feasibility Report
Feasibility Report The Hub - Community and Visitors
• Active travel services and Active travel Information and Opportunities Partnership facilities communication for enhanced working connectivity • Location, management and governance
• Costs
• Partnership working
• Funding and income generation Active Travel Facilities Active Travel Facilities
• Bike and equipment hire/ • Walking equipment hire/purchase purchase • Led walks and events • Electric bike hire scheme and • Walk in the Park meeting point bike charging • Green path network and accessibility • Bike equipment vending machine • Camping equipment hire/purchase • Bike share (e.g. Boris bikes) • Electric car/minibus hire and share scheme • Secure bike storage and stands • Electric charging points (rapid and fast) • Bike maintenance, cycle profi ciency and confi dence • Mobility scooters and all-terrain building training electric wheelchairs • Improved public transport • Bike washing facilities • DRT service • Led rides and events • Ability to take bikes on buses
Active Travel Hub Active Travel Benefi ts
Location • Improved communication, knowledge • Health and wellbeing and information sharing between • Tourist Information Centre organisations • Social • Old Edinburgh Woollen Mill • Closed Rainbow End Other • Environmental
Information • Central meeting point • Experiencing nature • Training facility/room • Instructional, directional and • Cafe/coff ee machine • Economic development informational signage • Toilets/showering/changing facilities • Air quality improvement • Cycling and walking routes - • Drying room accessibility, mobility, diffi culty and • Seating • Active lifestyle terrain • WiFi • Up-to-date information (app) • Marketing of local and national events • Increased accessibility and • Large map showing all active travel and services the hub and Aberfoyle mobility options including walking, cycling, off er electric vehicles and other activities o Electronic screens, app, social • Strengthens identity and appeal • Public transport and DRT information media, Strathard News, community notice boards • Saves money
Active Travel Hub
• Management including staffi ng, volunteering and opening hours
• Governance e.g. advisory group Thank You • Partnership working and opportunities Dr Nicki Souter • Other funding and income [email protected] generation opportunities (01764) 662277