Riders saddle up for £300k Black Isle bid

Law firm Ledingham Chalmers is holding its second Spanish-themed Vuelta de Isla Negra — translated as “cycle round the Black Isle” — event on Friday, September 7.

Around 25 riders, including four from the firm itself, will join 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 they 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 came up with the idea last year. This year, four of his colleagues will saddle up: partner John Smart and personal assistant Adele MacIver from the Inverness office, along with partner David Scott and senior associate Veli-Matti Raikkonen from Aberdeen.

Mr 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.

“That said, the Scottish National Road Race Championship was recently held in the area, so those taking part have the kudos too of following in the footsteps – or tyre treads – of these impressive competitors.

“And for those less keen on the distance, or the traffic, there’s the shorter Poco Vuelta route that is a little less hilly, but the views are no less stunning.”

The event starts at the pavilion at Avoch at about 10.30am, and details of the routes can be found on Strava.

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