ALFORD, ABERDEENSHIRE — A new biking facility aimed at all skill levels officially opened last weekend at Haughton Country Park in Alford, drawing a crowd of local residents and visitors eager to enjoy the sunshine and celebrate the new addition.
The Haughton Park Pump Track and All Ability Trail was launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Friends of Haughton Park trustees, who spearheaded the project. Local councillor Jeff Goodhall and track builders CRC Ltd joined the celebration, alongside skilled riders who gave live demonstrations, including Alford’s own Daniel Gibson.
The event marked the culmination of six years of fundraising and development efforts by the Friends of Haughton Park, a local charity. The project was primarily funded through the 2022–2023 Scottish Government Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP), administered by Aberdeenshire Council’s Place Economy Executive.
Simone Sinclair, chair of Friends of Haughton Park, expressed gratitude for the funding and local government support.
“Without the £200,000 funding from PBIP as our main funder, and the advice from Alastair Rhind and Tim Dring at Aberdeenshire Council, this project would not have been possible,” she said. “Their support and professionalism made a huge difference, and we are extremely thankful.”
The new pump track and trail are designed to be inclusive, offering a fun and accessible biking experience for riders of all ages and abilities.