Black Isle riders are ready to roll

A RIDE around the Black Isle this weekend will keep the wheels in motion on £300,000 plans for world-class sports facilities on the peninsula.

Law firm Ledingham Chalmers is holding its second Spanish-themed Vuelta de Isla Negra — or "cycle round the Black Isle" — on Friday.

Around 25 riders, including four from the firm itself, will saddle up to raise funds for the re-development of Avoch Amenities Association’s (AAA) facilities.

Held during the 2018 Vuelta a España — a three-week Grand Tour cycling stage race — riders can opt to experience the full 50-mile route looping round the Black Isle or test their skills on the 25-mile Poco Vuelta.

Around £1000 was raised at last year’s event. Recently, AAA announced it had been successful in securing funding from the Suez Communities Trust and Highland Council’s Leader fund towards the first phase of the £300,000 refurbishment to redevelop the old bowling green into tennis and all-weather multi-sports courts with changing facilities.

Jillian Jack, AAA chairwoman, said: "From football to rowing, cycling to sailing, sport is at the heart of our community.

"The pavilion plays an important role in giving people of all ages the chance to get involved in building that legacy by providing a modern facility we can be proud of."

Inverness-based Ledingham Chalmers senior associate Roddy Cormack said: "Even in the midst of planning last year’s cycle, we knew we wanted to bring it back again. And while this is a social ride — starting and finishing in Avoch and looping round the Black Isle coast — it’s not necessarily an easy one. However, we can promise each rider some breathtaking sights, as well as the chance to catch up with like-minded people without the pro peleton pressures."

The Scottish National Road Race Championship was recently held in the area.

The event starts at the pavilion at Avoch at about 10.30am with route details on Strava.

For further information on the Avoch sports facility project, see www.justgiving.com/avochamenitiesassociation