The Red Smiddy shared pathway project in Erskine got over £1.5 million in funding via the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund of the Scottish Government. 

Current walking and cycling routes between the Red Smiddy Roundabout and Southholm Roundabout have been extended and connected under the project, delivering improved connections to Park Mains High School, Erskine shopping area and the wider network of local paths. 

Cabinet secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn MSP, and Renfrewshire Council leader, Iain Nicolson, met Park Mains High School pupils to hear how the new route is changing their journey to and from school.  

Imogen from S1 lives in Dargavel Village in Bishopton. Imogen said: “The new pathway means I can cycle to school instead of always having to get the bus so I can be more active. 

“The railings beside the path help make it safer to cycle as well. 

“The new pathway will make it easier for people to get around Erskine.”

Imogen added: “A lot of my friends live in Erskine and I’m in Dargavel so the new pathway means I can easily get to their houses.”

Zacharay, who is from S6 said: “The new pathway is quite spacious and joins up with existing pathways which allows people to get around Erskine more easily.

“It opens up places like Bishopton and Dargavel making it easier to get to and from school or friends’ houses.” 

Stephen Flynn, cabinet secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, said: “I welcome the completion of the Red Smiddy Roundabout to Erskine Active Travel Link project and the benefits it is already bringing to local people.  

“Projects like this demonstrate the value of active travel investment, helping people save money, improve health and wellbeing, and reduce emissions while creating more connected communities.”

Flynn added: “That is why the Scottish Government is investing £226 million in active and sustainable travel in 2026-27, including more than £68 million through our Active Travel Infrastructure Fund.”

Local ward councillor and leader of Renfrewshire Council, Iain Nicolson, said: “By extending and connecting existing walking and cycling routes, we’ve created a safer and more accessible link for pupils travelling to and from Park Mains High School, while also improving connections for residents in the community. 

During the summer, work on the Red Smiddy shared walking and cycling path was delivered before the start of the school year.