Expressions of interest welcomed by Ian Findlay Path Fund

The Paths for All fund, the Ian Findlay Path Fund (IFPF), supports the improvement of local path networks within and between communities, making it easier for people to choose to walk wheel or cycle for everyday journeys. 

This grant fund, now in its third year, is supported by Transport Scotland and has already awarded over £2,500,000 to over 40 projects, Scotland wide. These projects improve local path networks and routes and make active travel a more attractive option for for all users. 

Almost £1.2million is available to be awarded during 2024 and expressions of interest are being welcomed by Paths for All.

‘Active travel’ means making journeys in physically active ways: walking, wheeling (using a scooter wheelchair or wheeled mobility aid) or cycling. The aim is to make active travel the obvious choice when planning journeys.

The fund supports projects that clearly demonstrate that they will make it easier for people to travel actively. They must also meet at least one other of the program outcomes. These are: 

• To Improve accessibility of existing paths

• To improve resilience of paths 

• To improve use of existing local path networks through development of new link paths

• To improve safety and increase community confidence

• To increase community of core path and local path networks 

Activities eligible for funding include:

• Improving resilience of existing paths, for example, between homes, community facilities, places of work, active travel routes and public transport hubs. This will make paths more reliable for community path users.

• Creating new path links, for example, between homes, community facilities, places of work, active travel routes and public transport hubs. This increases options for people planning local journeys.

• Removing barriers to make existing paths more accessible. This may include removal of steps or reduction of gradients, etc.

• Improving safety and increasing path users’ confidence. For example, by providing lighting, directional signage, or seating. When people feel safe and confident, they are more likely to make use of available paths.

• Developing detailed designs to help deliver the activities noted above. The IFPF can fund technical design work for path projects. This will enable applicants to prepare the information needed for the tendering and construction stage of a path project. 

The IFPF is available to a wide range of organisations. This includes: 

• Constituted community groups and clubs 

• Registered charities 

• Not-for-profit organisations or Community Interest Companies 

• Educational establishments 

• Community Councils and Community or Development Trusts 

• National Park Authorities

The fund is named in memory of Paths for All late Chief Officer, Ian Findlay CBE. Ian made a huge impact during his time at Paths for All and this fund recognises and continues his legacy.

Find out more about teh fund and how to apply at: Ian Findlay Path Fund - Paths for All | Paths for All

Read the Ian Findlay Path Fund Evaluation Report 2023-24