Cromarty 'pilots' have lift-off as trishaw scheme launched
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THERE were double-takes aplenty as a familiar figure clutching a bottle of bubbly sped through the streets of Cromarty on a trishaw earlier this week...
Crime writer Ian Rankin was the star attraction in the Black Isle town at the launch of the community's brand new trikes, which have been hailed a game-changer in helping get elderly and less-able folk at risk of social isolation out and about once again.
The two trikes – named Gracie and Pasty after the milk lady and pony who used to do the delivery rounds back in the 1930s – are operated by the Cycling Without Age Cromarty group and were fully funded by the Highland Cross.
Mr Rankin, creator of the Inspector Rebus character, who has a home in the area and was in town for the Crime & Thrillers Weekend he helped establish, voiced his delight at the success of the pedal-power project.
Climbing aboard and brandishing a bottle of bubbly to toast the trikes in the fashion of ship launches, Mr Rankin quipped: "A few years ago I’d have been doing the pedalling, honest..."
The Victoria Hall was packed for a celebration of the launch of the specialised battery powered trikes which allow volunteer "pilots" to take two passengers out for a spin.
Shirley Matheson of the Cromarty Care Project, said: "Cycling Without Age trishaws enable people with reduced mobility to get out and about in the community. This project is entirely run by volunteers, with all journeys being free for the passengers. Outings help to improve social interaction and reduce social isolation for the passengers, whilst allowing them to get some fresh air."
As the trishaws are battery powered, pedalling pilots have a bit of assistance and don't, she insists, need to be super-fit.
She said: "We have 15 pilots trained but are always looking for more, as the more we have the more journeys we can offer."
She paid warm tribute to The Highland Cross and The Northern Meeting Charity, which chipped in for extras like panniers and blankets.
As well as social rides and shopping trips, the trikes will be used to take people to the Fourways and Monday lunch clubs, both aimed at elderly people.
