Scotland gears up for new era of cycling innovation
Along with Edinburgh Napier University, we have unveiled Bike Innovation Scotland – an ambitious new partnership designed to drive the growth of the nation’s cycling and mountain biking economy.
At the heart of the partnership is the new Caerlee Mill Bike Campus in Innerleithen – a world-class destination where businesses, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders will come together to develop new ideas, test cutting-edge products and shape the future of cycling.
The Caerlee Mill Bike Campus and Trail Lab is supported by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, through a £15.5million of UK Government investment.
Caerlee Mill Bike Campus will offer flexible business units, partnership spaces, specialist testing facilities and innovation support services, creating a vibrant hub for local, Scottish, UK and international cycling businesses.
Due to open in summer 2027, the Campus is being delivered by SOSE and Edinburgh Napier University, with support from Scottish Borders Council.
Over the next decade, the project is projected to generate £86 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) and support more than 225 jobs across the South of Scotland, delivering long-term economic benefits while creating new opportunities for businesses and communities.
A new website – www.bikeinnovationscotland.com – has also launched today, providing information to businesses interested in becoming part of the growing cycling innovation ecosystem.
Businesses and individuals can register their interest in renting space at the Campus, explore partnership opportunities and learn more about the services and support available.
Powerful new identities for cycling innovation
The launch introduces a new family of brands that reflect both the scale of the opportunity and the breadth of support available to the cycling industry:
• Bike Innovation Scotland - the national-facing innovation and delivery brand, connecting industry, academia and public sector partners to support research, business growth, product development and knowledge exchange across Scotland and beyond.
• The Caerlee Mill Bike Campus - the physical home of cycling innovation in Innerleithen, a destination designed to bring together businesses, innovators, events and partnership under one roof at the heart of one of the UK's premier cycling locations.
• Bike Innovation Scotland Labs - The specialist research, testing and development arm, encompassing facilities including the Trail Lab and Human Performance and Innovation Lab, both operated by Edinburgh Napier University and offering industry-leading expertise in product testing, rider performance and innovation.
Building on Scotland’s mountain biking strengths
The new Bike Innovation Scotland brand builds on more than a decade of work by the Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland, hosted by Edinburgh Napier University, which since 2014 has supported cycling businesses with consultancy, testing, research and evaluation services.
As Scotland's cycling industry continues to grow and the South of Scotland attracts international attention through a programme of globally significant cycling events, Bike Innovation Scotland will provide a focal point for collaboration, investment and knowledge exchange.
At the heart of this ambition will be the Caerlee Mill Bike Campus and the specialist facilities, including the Trail Lab and Human Performance and Innovation Lab, helping companies develop, test and refine the products, technologies and services that will aim to shape the future of cycling.
Professor Tom Campbell, Director and Academic Lead, Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland at Edinburgh Napier University, said:
“Bike Innovation Scotland represents an exciting new chapter for our work with the cycling industry.
“Through the new Caerlee Mill Bike Hub, we will be able to connect world-class academic expertise with businesses, riders and communities, helping to develop the products, services and evidence that will shape the future of cycling and mountain biking.”
Russel Griggs, Chair of SOSE, said:
“The launch of Bike Innovation Scotland and the new brand identity for Caerlee Mill Bike Campus marks an important milestone for the project.
“This is about creating a place where innovation, enterprise and community benefit come together - supporting high-value jobs, attracting investment and reinforcing the South of Scotland’s reputation as a leading destination for cycling and mountain biking.”
Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council and Borderlands Partnership Board member, said:
"We're proud to support the delivery of the Caerlee Mill Bike Campus through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
“This is a landmark project that builds on Innerleithen's international reputation as a destination for cycling and mountain biking, while creating new opportunities for innovation, business growth and investment.
"As the Campus progresses towards opening in 2027, it will play an important role in strengthening the South of Scotland's cycling economy and delivering long-term benefits for local communities in Scottish Borders and the wider Borderlands region."