A new action group has formed to pursue the dream of building a chairlift and bike park at the renowned mountain biking venue of Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders. 

AIMUp (Action on the Innerleithen Mechanical Uplift) want to create a facility for mountain bikers of all abilities and to consolidate Innerleithen as a world-class mountain biking venue.

As it stands, riders have to push their bikes up the hill before they can descend the famous downhill courses at Innerleithen, one of the 7Stanes mountain biking centres in southern Scotland. 

The group is comprised of local businesses, mountain bikers and residents of the local communities of Innerleithen, Traquair, Walkerburn and Cardrona, united in their desire to bring this development to the Tweed Valley.

A project to build such a facility has been discussed for many years and a feasibility study funded by Scottish Enterprise was completed in 2008. 

AIMUp has set itself an objective to ‘promote mountain biking on Minch Moor, Plora Craig and Plora Rig by building a mechanical uplift and creating the Innerleithen bike park owned and run for the benefit of the local community’.

Several meetings have already been held and a plan is being developed to build on the current facilities while improving the case for the mechanical uplift. 

The group has also met with Jeremy Purvis MSP, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council, and are encouraged by the support that has been voiced for the aims and objectives.

AIMUp plan to showcase their plans to the local community by holding a display during the ceremony to turn on Innerleithen’s Christmas lights on December 12. 

To get involved contact the group via the Facebook page ‘Support the Innerleithen Uplift‘.