The project, led by Tarland Development group, will provide a purpose-built range of trails to develop mountain bikers of all levels. The £750,000 investment will help grow participation and help clubs develop future mountain biking athletes. It is a key step towards delivering the region’s ambition to be a destination of choice for the fast-growing adventure tourism market.

Known as Tarland Trails 2, the project will include blue, red and orange graded trails on the slopes of Pressendye and Pittenderich hills, a trail head with parking for 100 vehicles and environmentally friendly toilet facilities.

The project has secured £750,000 of funding – £350,000 from the Scottish government and £300,000 of National Lottery investment from the Scottish Cycling and sportscotland Cycling Facilities Fund.

"It is fantastic to realise our ambition of creating a trail centre in Aberdeenshire. Our first phase (Tarland Trails 1) was opened in 2015 and has been an amazing success for the area providing locals and visitors, particularly children, young people, and families, with an opportunity to ride safe, fun and accessible trails,” says Chris Redmond, acting chairperson for the Tarland Development Group.

"This new development will help the village sustain its business community, attract young families to the area, retain young people in this rural area, and help improve the physical and mental health of users.”