Free scooters for primary pupils as new path opened
Last updated 29th May 2026
Every primary three pupil in the Scottish Borders is being offered a free scooter and helmet as part of a project to encourage them to get more active more often.
It's part of the local authority's Ridonkulous campaign which began in Hawick and is designed to help families swap short car journeys for greener, healthier travel options.
The announcement comes as the local authority announces the completion of the latest part of its active travel network.
Councillor Jenny Linehan, Executive Member for Environment, Sustainability and Transport at Scottish Borders Council, said: “The success of the Ridonkulous campaign in Hawick showed just how positive the response can be when we make active travel fun, accessible and practical for families.
"Expanding the initiative across the Scottish Borders is a great opportunity to build on that momentum, helping more children travel actively, safely and with confidence.”
P3 pupils will receive a comic-style flyer explaining the initiative, alongside a leaflet for parents and carers setting out how the equipment has been funded and how families can opt out if they wish.
The campaign promotes healthier, more sustainable ways to travel and encourages people to swap short car journeys for active travel options such as walking, wheeling, scooting, cycling and horse-riding where possible.
Meanwhile, the latest phase of the council's active travel network is now open to the public.
The route between Lauder and Oxton has seen the upgrading of around one mile of existing path along a former railway line, locally known as the Auld Licht Railway.
The project was funded by Transport Scotland and designed and delivered through a partnership with Scottish Borders Council and SBContracts.
Further funding is now being sought from Transport Scotland for the remaining section between Blackburn and Midburn.
A spokesperson added: "If successful, SBC will continue to work closely with landowners and the local community to deliver the full 3.6 mile traffic-free route for residents and visitors travelling actively between the two communities."
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