MOUNTAIN BIKE TSAR FOR SOUTH SCOTLAND

Karl Bartlett, formerly Forestry Commission ranger at Mabie Forest (near Dumfries), takes up the task of turning the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway into a mecca for mountain bikers.

When completed the project hopes to bring in millions for the local economy through an increase in tourists to the area.

"This is a dream job for me but one that's going to have many challenges" explained Karl. "My goal is to make the Seven Stanes project a household name known throughout Britain and overseas.

"We now have a dedicated team of trailbuilders who are already carving of some fantastic trail in Dalbeattie forest and work is soon to begin in Newcastleton in the Borders. We are getting some rave reviews of the trails in Glentress Forest near Peebles and it's this kind of positive publicity that we want to build on - especially if we want to attract the 2004 World mountain bike championships."

The seven stanes project will see the construction or enhancement of seven biking centres in the Tweed Valley, Newcastleton, Ae, Mabie, Dalbeattie, Kirroughtree and Glentrool between 2002 and 2004. Each site will have trails for families and experts.

All the centres will be upgraded with new signage and way-marking. Car parks, toilets and picnic areas will be provided along with environmental and interpretation facilities. Some of the centres will have play areas for families.

The project is being managed by the Forestry Commission and Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway with partners Dumfries and Galloway & Borders Tourist Boards, Scottish Enterprise Borders, Scottish Borders Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Solway Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

All the partners joined forces to raise £1 million towards the initiative however match-funding from Europe brought the £2m project to life.

As the project gets underway the www.forestry.gov.uk/sevenstanes will be updated with the latest information and pictures.

Notes to news editors

1. A keen mountain biker, Karl Bartlett (age 40) has been the Forestry Commission's recreation ranger at Mabie Forest for five years. During his time there he helped transform the visitor facilities at Mabie making it the most popular forest in the area. Karl has also spent much of his time developing and sourcing funding to enhance the biking trails within the forest.

He's been instrumental in bringing the Seven Stanes project to fruition. It was over two years ago that he first thought of the concept of bringing all the major biking destinations in South Scotland together under one banner. With help from all the partners in the project and other Forest Districts, the funding became a reality.

Karl has just recently returned from a week long visit to Utah who he helped promote biking in Scotland at an international conference for mountain bike organisations.

2. The key features of each biking centre is as follows:

Tweed Valley
Glentress Forest will act as the springboard for the seven centres. Existing trails and facilities are still enhanced and a new cafe "The Hub" has recently opened. New or enhanced trails can be expected at Traquair Forest in the future.

Newcastleton Forest
Substantial investment in new facilities including a network of new trails for beginners and experienced mountain bikers plus toilets, car parking and interpretation. A key to this centre is a trail which will directly link to Newcastleton. Bikers will be able to use the village's facilities before and after rides.

Ae Forest
Investment will make this area into a major competition venue boasting both an existing downhill course and a massive new "endurance length" cross country trail.

Mabie Forest
Attracts 100,000 visitors already each year. The famous "Riks Red Route" is to be doubled in length and added family routes will attract riders of all abilities.

Dalbeattie Forest
A popular holiday destination on the Solway Coast. A new singletrack trail and new visitor facilities to be developed.

Kirroughtree Forest
The trails at Kirroughtree will be developed to appeal to families and fairly experienced bikers.

Glentrool Forest
Based around the visitor centre this venue will play host to a major stamina sapping technical cross country route as well as newly enhanced trails.

Media enquiries to Karl Bartlett, Seven Stanes Co-ordinator 01387 272 454 or the Forestry Commission Press Office 0131 314 6508.