Nestrans supported the Aberdeen Cyrenians in reducing their carbon footprint by funding £5,000 for a fleet of e-bikes, with 50% match funding for staff training.

Before the trial, 82% of staff expressed interest in e-bikes for commuting, as previous journeys were done by car. Feedback from a community practitioner highlighted the e-bikes' positive impact, making travel easier, saving costs, and promoting a more active lifestyle.

“[The bikes] made a positive difference in our lives. Getting around is now so much easier and quicker, especially going to our clients, which is our goal, to be on time for their needs. And I’ve been able to save money on travel. It’s also helped me be more active and feel better day to day. The support means a lot, and I hope more people can benefit from this just like I have.”

Nestrans supported the Portsoy Community Enterprise in trialling e-bikes at Portsoy Links Caravan Park to enhance visitor access to local paths. Funding was approved towards the purchase two e-bikes. The learnings from the 2025 season are to be reflected on with ambition to expand the fleet in 2026.

“There has been a plan for an E-Bike hire scheme for a while, but as with most projects, it lacked focus due to a lack of a funding opportunity. With the Nestrans fund, this gave us the push we needed to bring this idea to fruition. There is a lot to learn, and that securing funding is only a small part of the journey.”

Camphill Estates is a local charity organisation that works in partnership with five independent Camphill charities to help improve the lives of children, young people, and adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs, by making available land and assets and a variety of support services, to ensure the charities can deliver their charitable objectives. The organisation recently developed an active travel plan for staff and volunteers travelling to their site at Murtle House in Bieldside.

The charity was keen to encourage people to walk, cycle or wheel to work, but while the location had ample bicycle parking, it lacked the facilities for changing and showering. This was highlighted as a major barrier for those wishing to undertake active travel. As such, they wanted to redesign and renovate their showering and changing facilities to make them fit for purpose and improve accessibility.

Their application to the Sustainable Travel Grant was also influenced by upcoming changes to the number of people visiting the site. Camphill Estates were getting ready to Camphill School Aberdeen with a major £10 million over 10 years Capital Campaign – Building Futures Transforming Lives, with around 25-50 subcontractors expected on site each day.

 Camphill Estates were keen to extend the new changing facility to staff, volunteers and the subcontractors to encourage workers to travel sustainably and reduce their carbon footprint.

Applying in November 2022, Camphill Estates were granted 50% match-funding from the Sustainable Travel Grant Scheme. The project is now complete, and the staff and volunteers at Murtle House can enjoy the benefits of a new shower and changing facility.

Rob Clunas, Major Gifts Officer at Camphill Estates said, “We are delighted to have new showering facilities, which has really encouraged the team to adopt more active travel methods. I would encourage any organisation to engage with the Sustainable Travel Grant Scheme, the applications is really straightforward and the Nestrans team were really helpful and friendly.”

In addition, community groups, charities, and social enterprises can apply for the grant's sister scheme, the Community Sustainable Travel Grant. Under this scheme, similar projects can be awarded upfront funding that can be supported with a contribution or contribution in kind, without requiring match-funding from the applicant.

Click here for more information on the grants and how to apply. Alternatively, feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to assist you with your application.