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  5. Active and outdoor sector partners

Active and outdoor sector partners

3 minute read • Last updated: 25 February 2025

Scotland’s outdoor and adventure tourism sector is supported by organisations that provide training, networking opportunities, funding options, and help develop infrastructure for businesses offering outdoor activities. They help adventure tourism operators enhance visitor experiences, improve safety, and grow sustainably.

Whether your business focuses on cycling, watersports, mountain biking, snowsports, or nature-based tourism, these organisations offer opportunities to strengthen your operations and ensure Scotland remains a top destination for outdoor tourism. 

In this article:

  • Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland
  • Scottish Cycling
  • Outdoor Recreation Network
  • Snowsport Scotland 
  • sportscotland
  • Wild Scotland

Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland

Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the Scottish Mountain Bike Strategy 2019-2025 and many of the actions within it. 

A voice for the Scottish mountain bike community, DMBinS promotes Scotland as a leading mountain biking destination by working with tourism businesses, landowners, and agencies.

DMBinS supports sustainable trail development, infrastructure improvements, and training. Through funding and marketing opportunities, it helps attract visitors which supports rural economies and helps to grow Scotland’s mountain biking tourism sector. 

Find out more about Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland. 

Scottish Cycling

Two cyclists on a country road flanked by hedges.

Cycling near Melrose

© SSDA

Scottish Cycling is the national governing body for the sport of cycling and the largest cycling membership organisation in Scotland.

Scottish Cycling promotes cycling tourism by developing infrastructure, routes, and events. It supports businesses who offer road cycling, mountain biking, and leisure cycling experiences while ensuring safety and sustainability.

Through funding, training, and advocacy, it helps create high-quality cycling experiences that attract local and international visitors. 

Find out more about Scottish Cycling. 

Outdoor Recreation Network

The Outdoor Recreation Network (ORN) is an unincorporated network of public agencies and non-governmental organisations across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, that promotes sustainable enjoyment of the outdoor.

Members come from national, regional and local levels and are involved in outdoor recreation and related fields such as outdoor activities and tourism.  

ORN membership provides research, policy guidance, and networking for businesses. It helps businesses improve their accessibility, environmental responsibility, and visitor experiences, and grow sustainably. 

Find out more about the Outdoor Recreation Network.

Snowsport Scotland 

A snowboarder coming down a snowy slope on their board.

Snowboarding at Glenshee

© Steven McKenna

Snowsport Scotland is the governing body for snowsports in Scotland and works with clubs and facilities to provide safe and inclusive opportunities for participation in snowports.

Snowsport Scotland supports the skiing and snowboarding industry by providing training, safety guidance, and infrastructure development. It works with ski centres and adventure tourism operators in Scotland to enhance the visitor experience and improve accessibility.

Through advocacy and funding, Snowsport Scotland works to ensure the long-term sustainability of winter sports tourism in Scotland. 

Find out more from Snowsport Scotland. 

sportscotland

With a vision of an active Scotland where everyone benefits from sport, sportscotland is the national agency for sport in Scotland.

By promoting active lifestyles and investment in recreation, sportscotland strengthens Scotland’s appeal as an adventure tourism destination. 

Working in collaboration across public, voluntary and private sectors, sportscotland supports outdoor activity tourism by funding infrastructure like trails, climbing centres, and watersports facilities, engaging with businesses and tourism bodies to improve access to outdoor sports.

Find out more from sportscotland. 

Wild Scotland

Four hikers with backpacks walk through a scenic Scottish landscape with grassy hills, trees, and a misty sky.

Enjoying the outdoors with a hike.

Wild Scotland is a membership organisation representing wildlife, adventure and activity tourism operators in Scotland.

Engaging with the Scottish Government, agencies and key stakeholders to ensure support and recognition for the sector, Wild Scotland is at the forefront of promoting sustainable adventure and nature tourism in Scotland.

Wild Scotland supports businesses ny providing best practice guidelines, and robust support systems aimed at fostering responsible tourism practices, as well as highlighting training opportunities. Their initiatives help ensure that Scotland's natural landscapes are preserved while offering enriching outdoor experiences for visitors.  

Find out more from Wild Scotland.

Further partner support

Find out about other key partners such as industry groups, enterprise agencies and local councils who can help you grow your business and provide advice and support.

See all tourism partners

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