Transport Minister visits school leading way in sustainable travel for young people
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop MSP visited Darvel Primary this week to meet the partnership team behind an impressive active travel initiative, highlighting the school's outstanding commitment to becoming a cycling-friendly, environmentally sustainable community.
The high-profile visit underscores the significance of Darvel Primary's work in transforming how children travel to school. The Cabinet Secretary was welcomed to the school by Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council, Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Education and Children and Young People, and Chief Executive Eddie Fraser, who were joined by Councillors Jim McMahon, Graham Barton and Barry Douglas, and local members Councillors Sally Cogley and Kevin McGregor.
A School-Wide Commitment
Over the past three years, Darvel Primary has been working towards achieving the Council's Clean Green Award and has introduced several key initiatives. At the heart of this effort is Class Teacher Siobhan Richardson, who, supported by Head Teacher David McIlwraith, has worked with the whole school community to create a strong network of partnerships, including local not-for-profit social enterprise CycleStation, Ayrshire Roads Alliance and East Ayrshire Leisure's Active Schools.
The school's flagship initiative is the Bike Bus—an active travel initiative that allows children and their families to cycle safely to school in an organised group. The group has grown steadily with increasing numbers of children choosing to cycle as part of their daily routine.
Skills and Confidence Building
Beyond simply encouraging cycling, Darvel Primary is equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to travel safely. In partnership with CycleStation, the children have received Skills for Life workshops where they learned bike maintenance, safe riding techniques and understanding road awareness from a young age. Additionally, children benefit from Bikeability and Mini Rider sessions, which ensure that pupils develop the confidence and competence to cycle safely on roads, supporting long-term behaviour change.
A Broader Vision
The Cabinet Secretary's visit reflects Scottish Government's ambitious investment in sustainable transport. Fiona Hyslop said: "I was pleased to visit Darvel Primary School to see Scottish Government active travel funding at work, making it easier for more children to walk, wheel and cycle. It was great to see how a combination of work around infrastructure, facilities, skills training and community buy-in through the local Bike Bus initiative really delivers – all working together to encourage people to leave the car at home and to choose healthier and more sustainable transport."
To help local authorities across Scotland deliver similar initiatives, the Scottish Government is investing over £188 million in active and sustainable transport in 2025–26.
Recognition and Impact
The initiative has already garnered national recognition. Siobhan Richardson was recently recognised by Cycling Scotland for her exceptional dedication to encouraging cycling at the school—a testament to her passion and leadership.
Councillor Elaine Cowan said: "I was delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to Darvel Primary to find out more about the school's commitment to active travel. What is clear is that partnership working is key to improving outcomes for the children of East Ayrshire and creating a culture change that can lead to lifelong health improvements and positive choices."
As Darvel Primary continues to lead the way in promoting cycling and active travel, the school is demonstrating that sustainable transport is not simply an environmental issue—it's about building healthier, more active communities where children develop lifelong habits of healthy living.
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