A local sustainable transport project which ferries cyclists and walkers to far flung place along the Inner Forth has been shortlisted for a RSPB Nature of Scotland Award.

Climate FORTH, a climate resilience project based in the Inner Forth, has had its Forth Bike Bus initiative nominated in the Nature Tourism category of RSPB’s prestigious awards.

Now in its third season, the Inner Forth Bike Bus, which on Sundays between April and October, enables people to explore the impressive natural and built heritage

of the Inner Forth with their bikes on board and now welcomes walkers and hikers too.

The Inner Forth Bike Bus has been shortlisted for a national award (Picture: Submitted)

placeholder image — The Inner Forth Bike Bus has been shortlisted for a national award (Picture: Submitted)

The initiative has transported over 500 passengers across its three seasons, and it has encouraged people to think about their carbon footprint and use a more sustainable, shared mode of transport – rather than automatically opting to use their cars.

That passengers can travel through the rich natural and built heritage of the landscape with less emissions being released is a benefit to people and nature.

James Stead, Climate FORTH project manager, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for a Nature of Scotland Award in the Nature Tourism category for our Inner Forth Bike Bus service.

"The pilot service has been running for three years, transporting cyclists and walkers around the area, encouraging active lifestyles, sustainable travel – and fostering an appreciation of the natural and built heritage of the Inner Forth.

The Inner Forth Bike Bus initiative is in the running for a national award (Picture: Submitted)

“The area is a haven for wildlife, with native woodlands and saltmarsh habitats supporting everything from wildfowl and mammals to invertebrates. The Bike Bus offers passengers the chance to explore this all for free, and in a sustainable way, to lessen the impact of this unique environment.

"Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and our other funders who have supported this and to the Nature of Scotland Awards for including us in their shortlist."

The Nature of Scotland Awards recognise individuals and organisations making a difference across local communities, and businesses to support Scotland’s wildlife and natural environment.

Winners of all 10 Nature of Scotland Awards categories will be revealed at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on Thursday, November 19.