Scotland has published a strategy outlining the country's vision to become "the leader of mountain biking in Europe".

The six-year plan – covering the years 2019 to 2025 – sets out a framework in which mountain biking can continue to develop and grow sustainably.

It defines three primary targets: to grow the number of visits to Scottish outdoors made by mountain bikers by 33 per cent to 2 million; to increase mountain biking’s annual total economic GVA contribution to £158m (a 51 per cent increase); and to have a world champion or world series winner in every mountain bike discipline.

"The strategy’s threefold aim is to increase participation, to support developing athletes and to increase the economic contribution of the sector to the wider Scottish economy," said Fiona Hyslop, cabinet secretary for culture, tourism and external affairs.

“We want Scotland to be recognised as the leader of mountain biking in Europe."

The strategy has been developed on behalf of all stakeholders in Scottish mountain biking – from regular riders and tourists to product designers and manufacturers.

It is published comes as the country is due to host the UCI World Championships in 2023, as well as having new trail developments in the pipeline.

To download and read the strategy in full, click here for the Sportscotland website .