Rural Connections
We want everyone in Scotland to have the opportunity to cycle, walk or wheel to get around. Getting active is great for physical and mental health and puts a smile on people’s faces. We know that there are unique circumstances in rural and remote communities, which require a tailored approach. Rural Connections worked with adults of all backgrounds and abilities in Orkney, Highland, Eileanan Siar, Moray ;and Scottish Borders.
Watch how Sian’s life was transformed by getting a trike
Launching in 2021, our Rural Connections project supported people to walk, wheel and cycle – for everyday journeys, leisure and adventure. We offered:
- A wide range of cycling and walking activities for all abilities
- Short- and long-term cycle loans to help people find a cycle that works for them
- Support for local organisations to coordinate and add walking, wheeling and cycling opportunities to their existing activities
- Upskilling of volunteers to deliver activities in their communities and keep cycles working if there is no local bike shop
- Localised networks of organisations, communities and individuals supporting walking and cycling initiatives
Our development officers were embedded in local communities, using their expertise and local knowledge to work closely with community organisations, local businesses, public sector agencies and individuals.

Volunteering opportunities
You can help and support us to achieve our aims by volunteering with Rural Connections. All of our volunteering roles are advertised online.
Roles available include;
- Health Walk leader – lead a health walk.
- Cycle ride leader – lead a group ride.
- Learn to ride volunteer - Help children or adults to learn to ride or increase cycle skills in group sessions.
- Buddy ride volunteer – support people to cycle for those everyday journeys by showing them their route, practice safety and positioning and offer general route and riding advice.
- Tandem pilot - Ride as the front rider on a tandem bike for blind or partially sighted people and provide support and guidance on and off the bike during a ride.
- Bike maintenance volunteer - Help to keep our bikes in tip top shape.
Contact us
Want to find out more about Rural Connections? Get in touch:
Local authority | Contact | Facebook page |
---|---|---|
Orkney | Magdalena Choluj | Orkney |
Highland (Caithness) | George Ewing | Highland (Caithness) |
Moray | Iain Bamber | Moray |
Eileanan Siar | Daryll Brown | Eileanan Siar |
Scottish Borders | Scott Runciman | Scottish Borders |
Funding
Rural Connections is funded by Smarter Choices, Smarter Places.
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Terms and conditions
Please read the terms and conditions carefully as not all incidences and situations may be covered within the Cycling UK membership. However, Cycle SOS may still be able to provide legal assistance and advice. Call the Cycle SOS ‘Cycling UK Incident Line’ today on 0330 107 1789* to speak to a specialist adviser or visit their website.
If you have questions about the change of legal provider from Slater & Gordon to Cycle SOS please visit our FAQ page.