The ArtRoots fund is now open for applications. ArtRoots is a community fund for art projects along traffic-free National Cycle Network routes in Scotland.
Water of Leith Conservation Trust received a grant from ArtRoots to carry out a community mural project at Coalie Park, led by artist Kate George. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in Scotland, 2024.
The 2026-2027 ArtRoots funding round now is open for new applications until 14th July 2026.
Supported by funding from the Scottish Government via Transport Scotland, ArtRoots offers grants up to £6,000 to enable communities to produce art projects along their local, traffic-free National Cycle Network routes.
Community-led art projects can enhance neighbourhoods and encourage more people to explore their local areas by walking, wheeling and cycling.
ArtRoots inspires communities to shape their local environment by making traffic-free routes more attractive and accessible for everyone.
The fund also supports projects led by organisations and individuals who can demonstrate strong community involvement, consultation and engagement.
Previous ArtRoots-supported projects include:
Temporary installations
Performances and events
Sculptures
Heritage signs
Information boards
Murals.
ArtRoots supported Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council to provide guided walks along NCN 75 and creative workshops to people from diverse communities. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in Scotland, 2024.
What makes a successful ArtRoots project?
A successful ArtRoots project will:
- Put the power of creative change into the hands of the community
- Raise awareness of local traffic-free National Cycle Network routes for everyone to use
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of the local area and what artistic contribution could make the best improvement to the environment
- Make traffic-free National Cycle Network routes more enjoyable and attractive places to explore
- Encourage and build confidence in local communities to use active travel (walking, wheeling and cycling) to visit or experience the project.
Supported by the ArtRoots fund, the community of Colinton transformed a 140m-long traffic-free former railway tunnel along National Cycle Network Route 75 by bringing to life Robert Louis Stevenson's poem "From a Railway Carriage." Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in Scotland.
Who can apply for a grant?
This fund is for constituted community groups based in Scotland.
We will also consider applications from non-constituted groups, organisations and individuals.
Accessibility Statement
We want ArtRoots to be accessible to as many people as possible. If you would like to apply but feel you would benefit from some support, please get in touch. We can offer a paper or Word version of the form, support by phone or video call to go through the application together, large print or alternative formats, and extended deadlines where needed.
Contact us at artroots@walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk or by phone (details at the bottom of this page)
How much support can I apply for?
The standard grant awarded for an ArtRoots project is £2,500.
A higher award of up to £6,000 is available for projects which can demonstrate how an increased award would significantly impact project outcomes and achieve a greater increase in new walking, wheeling and cycling journeys.
Funding may be claimed in advance of a project commencing or after the completion of the project, subject to agreement with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
ArtRoots does not require any match funding.
There is also an Access Fund available. If your group has additional costs linked to access needs, such as communication support, accessible venue hire, printing in alternative formats or translation, you can request an Access Fund top-up of up to 10% of your grant. For example, on a £2,500 grant you could request up to £250 of access support. This is assessed on a case by case basis. You do not need to wait until your full application to raise this. Contact us at any stage to discuss.
When can I apply for funding?
The 2026-2027 ArtRoots funding round now is open for new applications until 14th July 2026.
What is the application process?
Read the ArtRoots Guidelines. Understand key requirements and considerations before applying.
Complete an Expression of Interest form.
Wait to be contacted by a Walk Wheel Cycle Trust officer. We aim to respond within 3 weeks of the Expression of Interest window closing. We may request more information or invite you to submit a full application via the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Portal.
Submit your full application. You have a minimum of 3 weeks from when you are invited to apply to submit all documents via the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Portal.
Application review takes place within 3 weeks of the application window closing. You will either be approved, declined with feedback, or receive feedback for revision.
Sign a grant agreement if your application is approved.
Claim your grant. It may take up to 4 weeks to receive funds after submission of a grant claim.
Complete your project. Then submit a final project report with evaluation, feedback and photographs within one month of the project completion date.
Read the ArtRoots Guidelines. The document provides an overview of the key elements to consider before applying.
Over a period of six weeks, young people took part in circus and craft workshops run by Think Circus in Craigmillar, Edinburgh. Credit: Colin Hattersley.
Artroots funded projects
Since it was established in 2017, the ArtRoots fund has supported over 90 community-led projects along the National Cycle Network in Scotland.
You can find out more about previous projects, with images and details, through our ArtRoots Map and our interactive Introduction to ArtRoots StoryMap.
You can find out more about the local history and inspiration behind some recently delivered ArtRoots projects along the National Cycle Network in Scotland below:
- Aberfoyle Ground Art Trail, Route 7
- Almondbank Nature Murals, Route 77
- Colinton Tunnel, Route 75
- Dundee: The Whale on the Tay, Route 77
- Newtonmore Village Square, Route 7.
If you have any questions about the fund, please contact our ArtRoots team by email at artroots@walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk, or by phone on 07971009400 (Monday to Thursday, 9:00 till 4:00).
British Sign Language (BSL) users in Scotland can contact us direct by using ContactSCOTLAND-BSL.
