Royal seal of approval for charity giving disabled cyclists their freedom

A charity that boosts the wellbeing of disabled people has had a royal blessing.

The Duke of Edinburgh visited a cycle-ability centre near Inverness that has given thousands of disabled people the opportunity to cycle on a mile-long, purpose-built circuit.

Prince Edward, an ambassador of the Paralympics, paid tribute to those behind the pioneering Highland Cycle Ability charity during a Scottish tour this week.

The organisation gives disabled people a sense of freedom with access to specialised bikes on a private track.

Heidi Barnett, the charity’s manager, said: “No matter what your disability is, no matter what your cycling ability is, there are bikes you can learn on.

“There are so many adaptive ones. There’s one you can use with just your arms, so you don’t even need your legs to use them.

“If you’re a wheelchair user we have one that you can actually put a wheelchair on the back of – there is really something for everybody.”

The centre, at the Old Mill, Cantray, has safety marshals and caters for people of all ages.

The duke followed in his eldest brother’s footsteps. Almost 30 years ago, Charles met the McGregor family, who went on to establish the cycle charity.