Highland Council Agrees Support For 2024 Mountain Bike World Cup Event
18th November 2023
Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee on 16 November 2023 agreed to use up to £100,000 from its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to support costs associated with the hosting of the 2024 Fort William Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup Event.
Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: "In August this year, Fort William very successfully hosted the UCI Cycling World Championships downhill mountain bike event at Nevis Range, drawing a huge number of competitors and spectators and showcasing what the region has to offer through its world-wide media coverage.
"Following on from that success, the new partnership between UCI and Warner Bros to host and organise all the mountain bike discipline events worldwide reflects the continued growth of the sport globally and provides huge opportunities for the host regions. Therefore, I'm delighted that UKSPF funding has been used to secure Fort William as the only UK venue in the 2024 calendar of events as it demonstrates the regions standing in the sport. It also opens a wide range of opportunities for businesses and communities in Fort William, Lochaber and the wider Highlands to benefit from this prestigious event."
The committee also agreed the redirection of £148,300 of UKSPF funding within the Peoples and Skills priority to the Science Skills Academy for spending during the first quarter of the 24/25 financial year.
At its meeting in August the Committee agreed an updated Delivery Plan following formal notification of successful funding received through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for 2022/23, 2023/24 and indicative allocation for 2024/25.
The funding will help Highland Council bring additional investment to the people of Highland, supporting communities, businesses, employment and tourism. The overarching objective of the UKSPF is to build pride in place and to increase life chances.
