£1m project aims to create legacy as 2027 Tour de France starts in Scotland

A £1 million social impact programme will help deliver a lasting legacy from the “once in a generation” opportunities of hosting the start of next year’s Tour de France, the Scottish Government has said.

The men’s Grand Depart will set off from Edinburgh for the first time on July 2 2027 and cyclists will travel through Midlothian, the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway before finishing the first stage in Carlisle.

Scottish Cycling will work with local authorities and community organisations to deliver a range of projects as part of the social impact programme.

The projects will aim to bring benefits such as improving people’s mental wellbeing and tackling inactivity.

Scotland’s business minister Richard Lochhead announced the £1 million Scottish Government funding during a visit to the Rural and Urban Training Scheme in Penicuik, Midlothian.

He said: “Hosting the opening stage of the 2027 Tour de France Grand Depart is a once in a generation opportunity.

“It is the biggest free spectator event in the world and will showcase our country to a global audience.

“But it is about more than just a race. This £1 million investment will ensure communities feel the benefits across Scotland, supporting people to become more active, improving wellbeing and helping local areas to thrive long after the race has left.

“The Tour de France is just one of three upcoming major sporting events – along with this summer’s Commonwealth Games and the Uefa Euro 2028 football championships – that will underline Scotland’s status as a global sporting venue.”

The Tour de France Grand Depart is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Scotland.

Nick Rennie, chief executive of Scottish Cycling, said: “Today is a huge milestone on the journey towards the 2027 Tour de France Grand Depart and underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring this is more than just a bike race, but something that positively impacts the people of Scotland.

“We’re very proud the Scottish Government sees us as a trusted delivery partner and will be doing everything we can to get people from all walks of life on their bikes.”

Champion junior cyclist Daisy Wilkinson, who is on the GB Olympic pathway, welcomed the news.

She said: “I’ve no doubt the Tour de France will inspire many more people to get on a bike too.

“I’m already so excited for the Tour de France Grand Depart next summer and will be out on the road cheering on riders.”

Scotland, England and Wales will share six stages of the Tour de France next year – three for each of the men’s and women’s races.

The women’s event – the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift – will set off later in July.