Coming to Nairn this summer...something different, something fun, something to benefit locals and tourists alike – Riviera Rickshaw Rides!

Coming to Nairn this summer...something different, something fun, something to benefit locals and tourists alike – Riviera Rickshaw Rides! Utilising Nairn’s quietest roads and the many wide paths especially in the areas north of the A96 and along the river, three colourful rickshaws will sedately tour their passengers around the best of its scenery and attractions. One of them will carry the elderly, the less mobile and housebound on short trips getting them out into the fresh air. A similar Danish scheme – ‘Cycling Without Age’ (www.cyclinwithoutage.org) is now in 40 countries around the world including Scotland. 

Nairn has above the national average of over 65’s – 5% over, in fact, and we would love to get as many of these residents out for runs which are proven to improve their physical and mental well-being. The demand is there. 

The other two rickshaws will mainly be for hire by the visitors to the town – but, of course, anyone can hire them. The income from their fares will help subsidise the rickshaw for the less mobile and also to help support our not-for-profit social enterprise develop its services. We’re waiting for our charitable status to come through. We’ve started fundraising to trusts to buy the rickshaws...and will crowdfund for one in the near future. We hope the rickshaws will be a great addition to Nairn

bringing colour, a touch of playfulness and ‘Riviera’ romance to the town –especially to the seaside areas.

In answer to some obvious concerns, when a rickshaw is on a path, (and they won’t be all the time), at 4’ wide, they’ll take up less than half the path width, they’ll travel slowly and carefully (remember who’s going to be in them!) and will ring a gentle tinkly bell to let folk know when they’re approaching. 

The rickshaws can be used at community events, special occasions, birthdays, weddings - and for fundraisers! We hope that they’ll become an asset for Nairn.

We’ll be recruiting and three fit local, probably young people (ideal for students) to be the rickshaw riders in May/June for the summer while looking for volunteers to take out those less mobile on runs - after proper training. Don’t worry that rickshaw will be power-assisted! 

Finally, we’re inviting people to get involved with this innovative project in various ways; fundraising, events, (there’ll be an open day soon) marketing and admin skills or indeed anyone who would like to learn those skills. Anyone interested in the environment, eco-tourism and cycle tourism are particularly welcome. Thanks for reading... more news to follow...

Riviera Community Enterprises - An Eco-tourism, Not-for-Profit Social Enterprise for Nairn
8, Leopold St.
Nairn
IV12 4BE

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