Minister for Transport and Islands goes on a Wee Jaunt with STV Edinburgh's Ewen and Hayley
Minister for Transport and Islands, Derek Mackay MSP, and STV Edinburgh’s Ewen Cameron and Hayley Matthews launch the Wee Jaunt Edinburgh taking place this September as part of Pedal for Scotland
Fountainbridge Show presenters, Ewen Cameron and Hayley Matthews, swapped the studio for the saddle to launch the family friendly Wee Jaunt Edinburgh ride today (29July). The presenters were joined by Derek Mackay MSP, Minister for Transport and Islands, along with Ewen’s son Josh, aged 6 and Hayley’s son Harris, aged 3.
The Wee Jaunt Edinburgh, taking place on 6thSeptember alongside the Classic Challenge and Big Belter rides, follows an easy nine mile route from Kirkliston to Murrayfield and is almost entirely traffic-free.
Ewen, Josh, Hayley and Harris will be taking part on the day, raising funds for children and young people in Scotland affected by poverty by supporting Pedal for Scotland’s official charity partner, the STV Children’s Appeal. Wee Jaunt participants also have the opportunity to raise money for the Appeal. Last year, Pedal for Scotland riders raised over £110,000 for the charity, supporting projects across Scotland including several in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Hayley Matthews said, “The STV Children’s Appeal is committed to supporting Scotland’s children and I’m really excited to be taking part in Pedal for Scotland to support this amazing cause. The Wee Jaunt is a great way to get all the family out on their bikes together and raise money for children affected by poverty in Scotland.”
Derek Mackay MSP, said, “Today I am delighted to launch the Wee Jaunt Edinburgh which will take place in September. The Scottish Government is providing an additional £150,000 to Cycling Scotland to extend the variety of bike rides, and increase the number of road closures as part of this year’s Pedal for Scotland. Since Pedal for Scotland began, it has grown enormously and this year we will see again record levels of participants in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. I wish everyone who takes part an enjoyable day out. ”
The Wee Jaunt Edinburgh is accompanied by three other Wee Jaunt rides as part of the Pedal for Scotland series of events. Wee Jaunts Glasgow (six miles), Aberdeen (six miles) and Murrayfield (four miles) will give even more people a chance to be part of Scotland’s biggest bike event, regardless of age or ability.
Cycling Scotland Chief Executive, Keith Irving added, “The Wee Jaunt Edinburgh promises to be a fun-filled day for all the family, and an excellent introduction to travelling by bike, be it for work, school or pleasure. The majority of the rides will take place on traffic-free routes, allowing participants to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Scotland’s biggest bike event.”
Entries for the Wee Jaunts, along with the Classic Challenge, Big Belter and MadeBrave Team Challenge rides, are now open. Register at www.pedalforscotland.org.
Communications Officer
vicky@cyclingscotland.org
07701 289257
