It is anticipated that the circuit will be completed in early 2023 and upon completion, will give everyone in West Lothian and beyond an opportunity to access a safe, traffic free cycling environment.
The facility, will be leased to the Linlithgow Community Development Trust who will be responsible for the management of the facility. Final arrangements on the lease and operational management are being finalised between West Lothian Leisure and the Linlithgow Community Development Trust.
£636,000 has been provided via the national Cycling Facilities Fund. West Lothian Council is providing £349,000 with the remaining costs being generated from a range of external funders, including community fundraising.
The tender package was finalised in conjunction with sportscotland, Scottish Cycling, British Cycling, and project design consultants.
The Cycling Facilities Fund aims to support cycling facility projects across Scotland through an £8million fund, made possible through a £4 million commitment from Scottish Government and £4 million from sportscotland through National Lottery funds.
The Cycling Facilities Fund aims to deliver a lasting impact from the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds being held in Scotland next year. By working with partners to provide accessible and inclusive facilities more people will be encouraged to engage with cycling at all levels, and new and existing cyclists will be inspired to make cycling a sport for life.
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Representatives from Linlithgow CDT, West Lothian Council, sportscotland, Scottish cycling and West Lothian Leisure joined cyclo-cross, road and mountain bike cyclist, Cameron Mason at the West Lothian Cycle Circuit development site.
Executive councillor for Economy, Community Empowerment & Wealth Building, Kirsteen Sullivan said:
" It is fantastic to see work well underway to deliver a facility which will bring great joy to cycling enthusiasts from West Lothian and further afield.
"We would never have reached this stage without the support of key partners and most importantly, the effort of the local community. We look forward to seeing further progress made on the delivery of the cycle circuit and the day we can hand it over to the local community."
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said:
"The Cycling Facilities Fund will be a tangible benefit from hosting next year's UCI Cycling World Championships in Scotland as it means we have a real opportunity to develop a network of accessible, inclusive and inspiring facilities that will encourage people of all ages and abilities to ride bikes.
"By working with partners like Scottish Cycling, West Lothian Council and West Lothian Clarion Cycling Club, we can deliver a circuit that will not only meet the specific needs of the local cycling community, but will also allow more people to get active, improving their physical and mental health."
Sophie McCall, Head of Development and Participation at Scottish Cycling, added:
"It's fantastic to see that ground has been broken on the site of the West Lothian Cycle Circuit, and I can't wait to see it completed and being used by the local community, and those from further afield, in 2023. I'm delighted that the Cycling Facilities Fund could play a role in making this happen and I can't wait to see the impact this incredible facility will have on the whole Scottish Cycling community for many years to come."
Carole Racionzer, Chair of Linlithgow Community Development Trust said: "After all the hard work and millions of hours of volunteer time, we are so excited to finally realise our vision in Linlithgow. This has been a true partnership between so many organisations and we can't wait to see the facility in action, a fantastic outcome for cycle-sport, for community development, for active travel and for cycling tourism."
Ewen Fulton, West Lothian Clarion Youth Section President said: "I still can't quite believe that this world-class facility is going to be on our door step! We've had to coach in car parks up until now, so this traffic-free safe space is going to transform our coaching. The young people of West Lothian are the real beneficiaries of this amazing new facility, today and for generations to come."
