What a day at the Scotland Annual Gathering!

By Cycling UK
Friday, 07 November 2025
A group of people is sitting in chairs facing a stage. Behind them is a table with an orange tablecloth with the Cycling UK logo on it and lots of flyers and information on the table. There's also a poster featuring a man on a bicycle.
The Cycling UK in Scotland Annual Gathering
Cycling UK in Scotland’s yearly get-together was once again a celebration of cycling and Cycling UK’s work in the country. Scotland Advocacy Lead Scott Runciman reports from another successful gathering

Saturday’s (1 November) Scotland Annual Gathering did not disappoint: no surprise as it was our biggest annual gathering yet! We had a sell-out crowd and record sign-ups for the led ride.

The day began with a group ride exploring some of Edinburgh’s newest cycling infrastructure, linking the Union Canal to the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL). It was a perfect reminder of how connected, accessible routes can bring people together and make cities and cycling more enjoyable for everyone.

Back at the venue, we kicked off an inspiring line-up of speakers, stories and celebrations that truly captured the spirit of Cycling UK.

Inspiring voices and stories

The Scotland Annual Gathering is hosted each year by the Scottish Advisory Committee, who advise on Cycling UK’s work in Scotland. This year there were special thanks for committee members Eileen Abbess and Gary Cummins who are standing down after years of service to Cycling UK.

Thanks to Eileen and Gary! This means there are spaces available on the SAC, please have a look here if you’re interested in helping shape Cycling UK’s future in Scotland.

A group of people in warm clothing are about to set off on their folding bikes along a paved path alongside a canal. It's raining. They're in Scotland.
Gathering attendees explored some of Edinburgh’s newest cycling infrastructure by bike

After a little more committee business there were some updates from across the charity, beginning with Sarah Mitchell, CEO of Cycling UK. Sarah started the event off with a glow – her enthusiasm for new routes and glow rides set the tone for the day.

There were plenty of exciting updates on the charity’s plans and reflections on the successes and challenges of launching a new strategy and a re-brand during a highly changeable environment.

Suzanne Forup, Head of Behaviour Change and Development in Scotland, shared the love with a look back over 15 years of impact in Scottish behaviour-change projects.

Suzanne’s reflections highlighted the incredible work that’s been done to get more people on bikes across Scotland and the part that Cycling UK – and Suzanne especially – have played in that work.

The last Cycling UK update of the morning came from Duncan Dollimore, Jim Densham, and me. We each gave a very quick update celebrating the huge progress made during the last parliament, and also looked ahead to what’s next for Scottish campaigns, policy and public affairs.

And, in an election year, there is a lot to look forward to! If you’d like to get involved to make it easier to cycle you can join the Cycle Advocacy Network. Now is a great time to speak up for cycling and join CAN in Scotland.

A woman is standing on stage in front of a lectern with a laptop on it, delivering a speech. Behind her is a poster showing a woman on a bike and the Cycling UK logo and a TV on the wall with an illustration of a woman on a bike
Aneela Mackenna delivers her talk on perimenopause, menopause and cycling

Our first guest speaker, Aneela McKenna from Mor Diversity, delivered an honest and empowering talk on the perimenopause, menopause and the cycling merry-go-round. Aneela’s warmth and openness reminded us all how cycling can foster wellbeing and connection through uncertainty.

That seemed apt as we were also privileged to screen ‘Three Wheel Drive’, a short film from the Adaptive Riders Collective. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house during a bikepacking trip full of fun, bravery, and joy.

After a tasty lunch delivered by cargo bike, Katherine Cory, recently named Cycling Scotland’s Cycling Champion of the Year, brought even more joy straight from the Shawlands Bike Bus. The Shawlands parents and children have demonstrated plenty of bravery since their auspicious start four years ago. Happy Birthday!

It’s amazing to see how their bike bus has grown, and how the bike bus movement continues to grow in Scotland. If you’ve ever considered setting up a bike bus then look no further.

Cycling UK’s final update of the day came from Dr Emily Ryder, who shared how so many amazing things start with something as simple as a cycle – and the Cycle Access Fund.

The Cycle Access Fund continues to break down barriers and open-up opportunities to live and ride. I think it’s safe to say that this was the first Cycling UK project that is saving lives and also features a circus. A proper high-wire act!

A woman is standing on stage in front of a lectern with a laptop on it, delivering a speech. Behind her is a poster showing a woman on a bike and the Cycling UK logo and a TV on the wall with an illustration of a woman on a bike
Katherine Cory talks about the Shawlands Bike Bus

Our final guest speaker Emily Chappell closed the day beautifully, reminding us that both places and people make a cyclist – and that once a cyclist, always a cyclist.

Emily’s chance encounters, cups of tea and sub-freezing point adventures warmed the hearts and inspired us. (It must have been the tea!) It was the perfect reminder of everything that cycling can give you regardless of what the journey throws at you.

Keep the good times rolling!

The 2025 Scotland Annual Gathering was a celebration of what Cycling UK stands for: community, inclusion and the power of the bicycle to change lives.

I’m sure everyone left feeling re-energised, proud of what we’ve achieved together and ready for the exciting journey ahead. If you’re not a Cycling UK member then consider joining here and keep the good times rolling.

Thanks again to everyone who came along and to our incredible guest speakers, now we’re looking forward to how we make next year bigger and better.

Campaigns policy public affairs Local cycle campaigning Local campaigning Scotland Scotland Cycling UK in Scotland

Further reading