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Locals turned out in number at Castle Green in Broughty Ferry on Monday 6 May 2024 to mark the official opening of a new all-accessible walking, wheeling and cycling path along the River Tay.

Following along National Cycle Network Route 1, the £18m project sought to provide a safe and direct walking, wheeling and cycling option for residents and visitors to the area.

Now complete, the 2.5-mile long off-road path is already proving popular, with more people than ever able to leave the car at home for short, everyday journeys.

The almost £18 million funding for the project was received through , an active travel infrastructure programme backed by  and managed by GTV��Ƶ.

Attendees at the event were greeted with refreshments and family-friendly activities throughout the day, including a bike skills track organised by  and dolphin spotting hosted by St Andrews University.

The ribbon cutting, heralding the official opening of the path, took place at noon and was performed by Councillor Steven Rome from Dundee City Council, followed by the unveiling of several stunning new artworks along the route.

The tall ambitions behind the Broughty Ferry to Monifieth project were clear from the outset.

Following early consultation with residents and businesses in 2019, initial proposals sought to deliver a safe and accessible traffic-free route between the two communities.

Tying in neatly with the planned  which was already underway, the new route would provide a direct and continuous link along the scenic coastline and enable people of all ages and abilities to travel actively every day.

Overwhelming support was received for the suggested upgrades, with over 75% of those engaged in favour of the concept designs which were presented.

Despite setbacks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising costs of construction materials within the industry, momentum continued to build as designs progressed, demonstrating the effective partnership working of both Angus Council and Dundee City Council.

As well as a spacious new bidirectional cycleway running for 2.5 miles between Castle Approach in Broughty Ferry and Monfieth railway station, significant public space improvements were also introduced, including additional seating, widened access barriers and improved lighting.

The communities were also closely involved in the design and delivery of a selection of stunning new artworks which complement the route.

Another major consideration from the project was in ensuring that local nature and wildlife would be preserved in abundance within the delivery of the scheme.

In order to do this, existing coastal dunes were protected within the project designs and extensive wildflower planting along the route has allowed biodiversity to continue to flourish.

One particularly significant milestone for the project was achieved in March 2024, when the new 5-metre wide Dighty Bridge was unveiled to the public.

The new accessible crossing replaces the an exceedingly narrow structure, opening up active travel to everyone and providing uninterrupted access to National Cycle Network Route 1.

Building a sense of community ownership and a sense of place was of the important importance for the project team.

This was achieved through the installation of a number of uniquely local sculptures and artworks along the route.

With seven pieces having been commissioned in total, those travelling along the path can now stop and enjoy the impressive displays whilst also learning about the surrounding area and its history.

These include a bollard trail by Tilde Arts, a poetic mural by Barry Roberston, and the Windmill Gardens by Louise Kirby which offers a quiet and tranquil space to unwind.

Most keenly anticipated, however, was the naming of the Tay Fins, designed by artist , depicting three breaching dolphins cast in bronze.

Following a poll of public suggestions, the names were revealed on the day of the opening – Dooker, Haar and Brochtie were chosen.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony and the artwork reveals, delivery partners reflected on the project.

Lee Muir, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development for GTV��Ƶ, said:

Councillor Steven Rome, Convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure, Dundee City Council, said:

"This transformational and pioneering project has opened up an impressive route for active travel between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth and will links with the route right the way through Dundee.”

“This makes the area more attractive for visitors and locals alike and the public art programme is creating a real sense of place.”

Councillor Mark McDonald, Communities Convenor for Angus Council, said:

“I’m pleased to see the next phase of the active travel route connecting Broughty Ferry and Monifieth officially opened.

“The area at Castle Green is looking great and the new user-friendly and accessible pathway means more people can use it to walk and cycle for everyday journeys and for fun.”

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to achieving this milestone. I’m looking forward to seeing the work progress as it continues further into Monifieth.”