Sport Aberdeen’s cycling initiatives highlighted in new report
A newly published report has highlighted the work of Sport Aberdeen in helping more people across the city access cycling, build confidence and overcome barriers to cycling participation.
The Walking and Cycling Index 2025 report (pdf 4.4MB), which was published this month, is funded and supported by Transport Scotland and coordinated by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. The report, which also received support from Aberdeen City Council, provides insight into how people in Aberdeen travel and what would encourage them to walk, wheel and cycle more often.
The figures show strong interest in active travel across the city. While 94% of Aberdeen residents walk or wheel, 34% currently cycle with 44% saying they would like to cycle more, demonstrating an opportunity to increase participation.
Sport Aberdeen’s Community Sport team is helping support that ambition through the Aberdeen Cycle Hub @ Seaton and wider community cycling programmes, which aim to make cycling more accessible for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. The team runs Scottish Cycling’s Rock Up & Ride project, offering a pathway to recreational cycling, as well as the Grampian Inclusive Cycling Bothies in partnership with Grampian Disability Sport. Both projects are currently funded by Nestrans, via the People and Place Programme.
The new report highlights the work of Sport Aberdeen staff Laura Benson and Fiona Smith, who deliver community cycling initiatives designed to increase the number of people getting involved in cycling and remove barriers that can hold people back including lack of confidence or knowledge of bike suitability, as well as logistical issues with transporting bikes.
Laura’s work focuses on supporting residents in priority areas including Northfield, Seaton and Torry, while ensuring opportunities remain open to anyone who wants to take part. The programme particularly aims to encourage participation among women and girls as well as families and groups under-represented in cycling.
For many participants, the sessions provide a first opportunity to learn to cycle in a supportive and welcoming environment. Some of those are parents who are keen to learn so they can cycle alongside their children, who may already be cycling at school or within their communities.
Laura, who is Project Activator for Cycling with Sport Aberdeen, said: “A lot of the people we work with have never had the opportunity to learn to cycle before. It’s really rewarding to see someone build their confidence and realise that cycling is something they can enjoy with their family or friends.
“Accessibility is important to us so bikes and helmets can be borrowed for free. Our sessions are about creating a welcoming space where people feel comfortable giving it a go.”
Fiona’s work with Grampian Inclusive Cycling Bothies (GICB) focuses on addressing practical barriers that can make cycling difficult to access. The group was set up to help people get active and engaged with cycling through free adapted cycling sessions which take place in traffic free environments with participants welcome to cycle as much or as little as they wish.
Sessions are led by qualified ride leaders who provide support and advice in a safe space to help people find what works best for their needs. A wide range of people attend regularly as a fun weekly activity, while others use the opportunity to try different types of cycles and develop their cycling skills.
Fiona, Lead Project Activator, Sport Aberdeen, said, “For many people the biggest barriers to cycling are access to the right bike and having a safe place to try it.
“We have set up inclusive cycling hubs around Grampian, and we want to get more people enjoying the health and social benefits of cycling.
“Seeing participants come back each week and grow in confidence is what makes the programme so special.”
With many Aberdonians saying they would like to cycle more often, initiatives that improve access to bikes and safe cycling spaces are helping more people take the first step.
Mark Pain, Community Sport Manager, Sport Aberdeen, also commented, “Cycling should be something that everyone feels able to enjoy, regardless of their background, confidence or experience.
“It’s fantastic to see the work of our Community Sport team recognised in the Walking and Cycling Index 2025 report and we’re proud to help more people across Aberdeen discover the benefits of cycling, in conjunction with our wider partners, including Grampian Disability Sport and Scottish Cycling.”
Anyone interested in getting involved in cycling through Sport Aberdeen’s Cycling Hubs, which also run adapted cycling sessions at Catto Park Athletics Track in Peterhead and the Deveron Community and Sports Centre in Banff, can find out more by contacting:
communitysport@sportaberdeen.co.uk or searching for “Sport Aberdeen Community Cycling” on Eventbrite or the Grampian Inclusive Cycling Bothies Facebook page www.facebook.com/grampianinclusivecyclingbothies
Miles of Smiles – How Sport Aberdeen is helping a local Dad turn heartbreak into hope
“The amazing facilities Sport Aberdeen provides has made such a difference.”
Sport Aberdeen member Marius Coste, the man behind the inspirational Miles of Smiles fundraising campaign, talks about his journey so far as he approaches the half-way point in his endurance challenge.
Miles of Smiles is an 82-week charity campaign that began in June 2025 and continues until December 2026. Every week, Marius commits to 50km of running, walking, or cycling, paired with cold-water plunges, a personal challenge that has grown into a movement for awareness, resilience, and community connection.
Raising funds for two Scottish charities, SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and Clan Cancer Support, this campaign builds on a previous viral challenge in 2021, when Marius ran nearly 3,000 km in 52 weeks, raising over £7,000 for SAMH, all while dressed in costumes and colourful characters to bring joy to the community.
Helping him work towards his goal for the past eight months has been our gym at Get Active @ Sheddocksley where Marius can be found from 6am either strength training, indoor cycling or Norwegian-style running. The mix of cardio focused workouts combined with strength-based training helps improve longevity markers and reduce all-cause mortality – meaning his miles are not just about charity, but about sustaining the physical and mental capacity to keep giving back.
Our dedicated indoor cycling facilities allow Marius to clock up the miles, particularly on cold or stormy mornings when running outside hasn’t been feasible over the winter months.
Being a member of Sport Aberdeen has been more than just convenient, it’s been transformative.
As an organisation dedicated to championing active lifestyles and creating opportunities that support health, wellbeing and inclusion, we are immensely proud to be playing a part in Marius’s charity campaign.
“At Sport Aberdeen, we believe that being active is about more than sport, it’s also about connection and community and Marius’s journey truly reflects our values in action,” said Mark Wallace, our Health, Fitness & Retention Manager.
“We are delighted to be Marius and his families’ leisure provider of choice in Aberdeen, and we admire his ongoing efforts to drive positive change.”
Marius and his family also use several of our 31 venues across the city for playing badminton and regularly book our courts at Get Active @ Jesmond and Get Active @ Peterculter to prepare for the upcoming SAMH Dodgeball Tournament in May. The facilities have become a hub where his mission meets physical health, mental wellbeing, and family time.
“Both Miles of Smiles and Sport Aberdeen share the values of moving, connecting, and improving mental and physical health. They’re about showing up for yourself and for your community.
“The amazing facilities Sport Aberdeen provides has made such a difference in helping me raise awareness for mental health, grief, and community connection.
“It’s been incredible to have access to venues for cycling, strength training, and family activities.”
Marius is a husband, father, and facilities Group Manager at Elior UK. But behind the costumes, from Superman and unicorns to Minions and Pokémon, is a story of heartbreak and hope.
In 2020, Marius and his wife suffered three consecutive miscarriages. The pain was silent and profound. Running became therapy. Costumes became conversation starters, tools to break stigma, spark smiles, and open dialogue about grief, mental health, and the importance of emotional wellbeing.
After losing his grandfather in January 2026, Marius ran through Aberdeen and Glasgow in a giant heart costume, carrying grief and love mile by mile. He says, “Grief doesn’t disappear. It moves with you.”
And thanks to Sport Aberdeen, he can show up stronger than ever, physically and mentally, while encouraging others to do the same.
The latest Miles of Smiles campaign figures show Marius has completed over 2,540kms of running, walking or cycling, raising almost £3,000 so far. He’s also endured 194 cold showers and 44 ice baths.
To cheer on Marius, donate, or follow his progress:
- SAMH: https://www.justgiving.com/page/frompaintopurpose
- Clan Cancer Support: https://www.justgiving.com/page/hopeovercancer
Follow the journey:
- Facebook/LinkedIn: Marius Coste
- Twitter/X: @SmilesRunner
- Instagram: @milesofsmilesrun
- TikTok: @smilesrunner
Our MacKenzie Championship Course at Hazlehead has been named Best Municipal or Community-Owned Golf Course in Scotland, at this year’s Scottish Golf Tourism Awards 2026.
The 13th annual awards were held last night (Thursday March 12th) in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and brought together leaders from golf, tourism, hospitality and the wider business community. The awards recognise excellence, innovation and community impact across Scotland’s golf tourism sector.
The MacKenzie Championship Course is set within the historic Hazlehead Park and is the only public championship course in the North-east. Designed by renowned architect Dr Alister MacKenzie, the course is widely regarded as one of the finest municipal layouts in the country and is celebrated for combining championship-quality golf with accessibility, affordability and strong community value.
This year marks the inaugural award recognising the Best Municipal Golf Course with bunkered magazine Head of Content and Head Judge of the 2026 panel, Michael McEwan, having specially created the category. In a recent speech announcing the news, Mr McEwan said the new category would “shine a spotlight on these essential parts of the golf ecosystem and position our much-loved munis right where they deserve to be: shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the industry.”
Commenting on last night’s award win, Graeme Dale, Interim CEO, Sport Aberdeen, said:
“To win the award for Best Municipal or Community-Owned Golf Course in Scotland is an incredible achievement, particularly when we were up against nationally and internationally recognised courses.”
“We are all absolutely thrilled to be taking this award back to Aberdeen. This industry recognition is testament to the dedication of our greenkeeping staff and the collective effort and quality of work across our golf operations in making golf accessible, welcoming and relevant for everyone.”
We were also named as a finalist in the Best Golf Marketing/Social Media Campaign for our highly successful ‘Tee Up with Mates’ 2025 campaign. Designed to reposition golf as affordable, social and accessible, the campaign successfully engaged younger golfers with more than 25% growth in under-16 memberships and a 38% year-on-year increase in golf memberships.
We manage five municipal golf courses, offering a unique multi-course membership model that breaks down barriers to participation. All profits generated through our organisation’s golf facilities are reinvested back into the local community, supporting participation, coaching pathways and inclusive access to sport across the city.
For more information about golf memberships visit www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/memberships/golf
Sport Aberdeen has relaunched a city-wide initiative to encourage more female participation in sport and physical activity.
The Active Girls Committee, first launched in 2016, has been revitalised by Sport Aberdeen Active Schools following increased interest from young women and girls across Aberdeen City secondary schools.
The group’s main aim is to reduce the inequality gap between girls and boy’s participation in sport and physical activity, levelling the playing field for everyone.
The newly re-established committee will work with local sports clubs and activities to inspire more young girls to get involved in sport. Leadership opportunities are also a key focus for the group to increase female leadership within school sport.
A dedicated event was held recently at the Linx Ice Area attracting 22 girls from nine secondary schools including Aberdeen Grammar, Bridge of Don, Bucksburn, Cults, Dyce, Harlaw, Northfield, Oldmachar and St Machar.
Among the topics up for discussion on the day were matters such as ‘what can be done to increase female participation across Aberdeen City?’ and ‘what are some of the barriers and solutions to participation?’
All participants were given a Goal Planner that they completed with reps from their school to gather ideas to kick off the committee goals for the year ahead. Some of the positive feedback from the girls attending the event included, “I liked being encouraged and knowing that we can help other girls with their confidence”; “I like giving my opinion and feeling welcome” and “I learnt that I can make a big impact in my school to help girls in sport.”
Sarah Fraser, Lead Active Schools Coordinator, Sport Aberdeen, who has played a key role in reinstating the group, said, “The relaunch of the Active Girls Committee was a huge success, and we were really pleased with the turnout. We had lots of fantastic discussion on barriers to participation and creative thinking on how to increase female participation in schools.”
The fresh start for the Active Girls Committee coincides with Women & Girls in Sport Month highlighting female athletes, coaches and leaders while promoting increased participation and removing barriers.
Sport Aberdeen, through its Active Schools team, is running a series of multi-sport sessions throughout March including tennis and badminton, football, dance, volleyball and netball, at schools across the city.
For more information about Active Schools, visit www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/activities/active-schools
Children across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are being offered the chance to spend the April holidays taking part in a programme of fun activities at Sport Aberdeen’s Multi-Sport Holiday Camps.
Held at Get Active @ Cults, the Camps will welcome children from ages 5 to 12 (Primary 1 to 7) who can join for either a single day or one week. Camps are split into two sub-groups based on age: 5-8 years (P1-P4) and 9-12 years (P5-P7) and will run from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Families are invited to register their children for the multi-sport camps which will run from Monday March 30th to Friday April 10th, offering fun, friendship, and adventure for all ages and abilities. This year’s camps feature a jam-packed programme with activities ranging from basketball, football and rugby to tennis and hockey.
New for this year is the introduction of a dedicated netball camp, aimed at those developing their love for the sport or are keen to try it for the first time.
Kim McRobbie, Active Schools & EDI Manager, said, “Our April holiday camps are extremely popular with children of all ages as they try a huge variety of sports while making new friends, building new skills and staying active in a friendly and supportive environment.
“Our experienced and friendly coaches will support the children and keep them engaged with games, drills and skill-building exercises to ensure they build their confidence and teamwork skills.
“There’s truly something for every child, no matter their interests or abilities, they don’t have to be a sports enthusiast, they just need to be willing to try something new and have fun.”
For more information and to book the Multi-Sport Holiday Camps, visit: www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/activities/holiday-camps
Sport Aberdeen has delivered an impactful programme of sport and physical activity for hundreds of school children across Aberdeen, in partnership with Robert Gordon University (RGU).
Second-year RGU Applied Sport and Exercise students completed full-time placements across 22 city schools, delivering a total of 38 extra-curricular sessions, in conjunction with Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team.
The placement programme, involving 24 students, ran for 4 weeks from mid-January and saw the students organising and leading multisport activities including running, basketball, football, boccia, dance, and playground games.
The initiative forms part of a long-standing partnership between Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team and RGU, with the programme designed to provide the students with practical experience while supporting schools to increase both curricular and extracurricular sports and physical activity provision.
Prior to starting their placements, the university students took part in two training sessions delivered by Active Schools to ensure they were confident and prepared for their school placements.
During the four-week placement block, the students supported curricular PE by shadowing class teachers and delivering PE lessons. They were also involved in planning and delivering activities out with school time aimed at increasing participation and providing young people with more opportunities to be active.
Sarah Fraser, Lead Active Schools Co-ordinator with Sport Aberdeen, said, “We were delighted to continue our invaluable partnership with RGU to widen access to sport and activity for all children and young people in Aberdeen schools.
“The student volunteers play a huge role in helping us provide more pupils with positive and inclusive opportunities to be active. The RGU students bring so much energy and enthusiasm into schools and help inspire a passion for sport and physical activity for the next generation.”
Dr Patrick Maughan, Course Leader for Applied Sport and Exercise Science at RGU, said: “Working alongside valued placement providers such as Sport Aberdeen is central to how we deliver an outstanding student experience at RGU.
“Through meaningful work-integrated learning opportunities in schools across the city, our Applied Sport and Exercise Science students apply their knowledge in real-world settings. This gives them the opportunity to develop their professional confidence, practical skills, and employability that drives graduate success and generates positive feedback from both students and partners alike.”
Alongside this yearly placement programme with RGU, Sport Aberdeen continues to support a range of additional student placement and volunteering opportunities including third-year sports coaching placements with students completing six weeks in school as well as NesCol student placements and ad hoc placements focused on female only participation across city primary schools.
In addition, an upcoming six-week placement programme is due to run through April and May involving Applied Sport and Exercise Science students working across primary and secondary schools.
Sport Aberdeen is seeking applications from volunteers willing to step into the shoes of two new community mascots, Ref Don the Highland Bull and Dee the Red Squirrel.
The two new furry companions were officially launched in December last year as they arrived in style at Aberdeen airport. The duo will play an active role in community events and programmes, helping Sport Aberdeen connect with people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
The mascot campaign aims to build a genuine connection with people across the city with both characters proud to reinforce the message that living with certain health conditions doesn’t necessarily have to limit anyone’s ability to enjoy an active lifestyle. Dee, who is hearing impaired, proudly wears a hearing aid, while Don the Highland Bull wears a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) for diabetes.
The fun pair are powerful, visible reminders that sport is for everyone and will act as a positive force for Sport Aberdeen.
“We’re really keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in bringing our two new community mascots to life,” said Lauren O’Neill, Head of Marketing & Communications at Sport Aberdeen. “We’d love for Dee and Don to be out and about in our venues and communities as much as possible, so this would be a fun and rewarding opportunity for volunteers keen to help support events across the city.
“Mascots have an amazing ability to spark joy, and we are seeking enthusiastic and playful volunteers to step forward to be a part of something special, supporting our mission and inspiring people to enjoy active and healthy lifestyles.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about stepping into Dee or Don’s shoes (an ideal height range is between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 9ins, though some flexibility is possible) should contact Sport Aberdeen’s marketing team at marketingteam@sportaberdeen.co.uk. All successful applicants will be subject to reference checks and a PVG check.
Aberdeen school pupils have been treated to special visits from Sport Aberdeen’s new mascots, Dee & Don, as part of a series of appearances introducing the characters to the local community.
Two primary schools welcomed the two new furry friends in January, with pupils enjoying fun-filled visits designed to inspire movement, joy and inclusivity.
Pupils at Bramble Brae School were treated to a party with Dee the Red Squirrel and Don the Highland Bull on January 21st, to mark National Red Squirrel Day and Dee’s official birthday. The dynamic duo joined children from Primary 1 to 4 for the birthday celebrations which included party games, dancing, treats and crafts.
Brought to life by Sport Aberdeen to encourage community spirit and active lifestyles, Dee and Don champion inclusivity, equality and diversity in sport. Both characters help to reinforce the message that living with certain health conditions doesn’t necessarily have to limit physical activity. Dee, who is hearing impaired, proudly wears a hearing aid, while Don the Highland Bull wears a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to represent people living with diabetes.
Sharron Macdonald, Head Teacher at Bramble Brae, said, “We were delighted to welcome Dee & Don to celebrate Dee’s birthday and National Red Squirrel Day. The children had so much fun learning facts about red squirrels in the lead up to the day and were so happy to meet Dee in person.
“Don was also a huge hit with everyone, and it was also lovely for our learners to see Don wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) demonstrating visible support and inclusion for learners with diabetes. Dee & Don are brilliant ambassadors for inclusivity in sport, and they brought so much energy, warmth and fun to the day.”
The characters also paid a visit to Brimmond School on January 29th, where Primary 1 pupils were being rewarded after receiving the school’s new ‘Shining Example’ award, an incentive to recognise classes who display school values. The class with the most tokens is rewarded with a special treat at the end of each month.
Kelly Milne, Acting Head Teacher at Brimmond School, said, “We are very proud of how all our learners have displayed our school values this month and the visit by Dee & Don was a fantastic reward for the winning class.
“The children were so excited, and the visit really helped support our messages around kindness, inclusion and celebrating everyone’s efforts in a fun and memorable way.”
Dee and Don made their debut appearance in December 2025 when they landed at Aberdeen International Airport from London.
The school visits were part of a programme of appearances for the new mascots who will be taking an active role in school activities and guest appearances at local sports and community events throughout the year. The mascot campaign, designed with community at its core, aims to build a genuine connection with people across the city to ensure everyone, no matter age, ability or background, feels supported and included.
Sport Aberdeen welcomed Kirsty Blackman, MP for Aberdeen North, to its Get Active @ Jesmond venue in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen last Friday (January 30th).
Kirsty donned her gym gear and put her fitness to the ultimate test during a Hyrox class, a functional fitness class in the venue’s dedicated fitness studio, The Quad. Kirsty was then given a tour of the facility and met with both staff and members to learn more about the gym and its popularity, seeing at first hand how one of Sport Aberdeen’s leading facilities plays a vital role in supporting the physical, mental and social wellbeing of the community.
Graeme Dale, Interim CEO of Sport Aberdeen, said: “With January being one of our busiest months, it was a pleasure to invite Kirsty to Get Active @ Jesmond.
“We’re pleased to see an increase in the Scottish Government’s sports funding approved in the recent budget, and we’re keen to understand how that will translate at a local level. It’s important that those details are confirmed soon so organisations like ours have time to plan effectively.
“As one of the few local authorities that consistently delivers a free primary school swimming programme, continued investment is essential to ensure this provision can continue.
“We look forward to working with Kirsty to help raise awareness in Parliament of the role the physical activity sector plays in supporting local communities, and how we can encourage more inactive people to lead healthier, more active lives.”
Kirsty Blackman, MP, said “I had a fantastic time visiting Get Active @ Jesmond. It was great to see folks making full use of the excellent facilities. I even got to take part in my first ever Hyrox Power class – thanks to Nicola for making it such good fun.
“I love how bright and welcoming the gym is and the strong community feel in the building.”
Trends from 2025 show a continued shift in more people choosing to prioritise their health and fitness, with the number of members of a health and fitness club reaching a record high. ukactive’s UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2025 showed 11.5 million people are now members, with this trend set to continue into 2026.
There is a strong understanding of the importance of physical activity in maintaining good mental health, with 83% of adults in Scotland reported to acknowledge the relationship between the two. Almost 47% of Scottish adults report feeling that their mental health and wellbeing can be improved through physical activity.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, commented, “It is great to see MPs visiting their local gyms pools and leisure facilities which are working tirelessly to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of their communities.
“This month we will see a surge of new members who are looking to make lifestyle changes that better their health and wellbeing. Our nation’s gyms, pools and leisure centres are ready to meet this demand and welcome both retuning and new members with the support they need to live healthier, more active lives.”
As a registered charity with a clear purpose, Sport Aberdeen manages 31 venues across Aberdeen and reinvests every pound generated back into the city, ensuring local people benefit directly from every success
Public consultation closes Sunday December 14th
Sport Aberdeen is asking its members to take part in Aberdeen City Council’s (ACC) budget consultation and to make their voices heard as decisions are considered for the 2026/27 financial year.
Each year, ACC sets its budget for public services, a process that directly impacts the future of Sport Aberdeen’s venues, programmes and community initiatives. As part of this process, ACC has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on a range of proposals aimed at reducing expenditure and increasing income.
A key element of the consultation is the commissioning fee provided to Sport Aberdeen. Currently set at £4.15 million, this funding contributes to the £15 million required annually to operate 31 venues and deliver a wide range of sport, physical activity and wellbeing services across the city.
Sport Aberdeen’s recently published Annual Review 2024/25 highlighted one of the strongest years on record:
- 1.46 million visits across local venues
- £19 million in social value generated for Aberdeen
- National recognition for impactful work with young people, older adults, and individuals who face barriers to being active
- 7,000 children taking part in activities every week
- Expanding programmes that support health, wellbeing and inclusion
These achievements are only possible because Sport Aberdeen reinvests every penny back into the city and works in partnership with local communities.
The proposals within ACC’s budget consultation for 2026/2027 (external link) asks for views on the impact of a range of options. These include questions on the impact of a reduction of £415,000, and a further reduction of £415,000, to Sport Aberdeen funding next year. To bridge either of these funding gaps, Sport Aberdeen would have to consider and implement very difficult options including:
- Reducing the number of venues we operate
- Limiting opening hours
- Scaling back activities and community programmes for children, older adults, and those with long-term health conditions
- Significant price increases for activities, memberships and programmes
No decisions have been made yet, and the consultation is the public’s opportunity to make sure their opinion is heard.
Support from the Sport Aberdeen community played a vital role in last year’s consultation, and this feedback can make a difference again.
If you believe reductions to community sport, physical activity and wellbeing services would have a high impact on you or the wider community, Sport Aberdeen encourages you to select the ‘high impact’ option within the survey.
You can complete the consultation here:
https://aberdeencitybudget26-27.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/v3/acc-budget-options?step=step1
Please take a few minutes to share your views before Sunday, December 14th, and help safeguard the future of community sport and wellbeing in Aberdeen.
Thank you.