The programme draws inspiration from a remarkable chapter in the school’s history. In 1952, Portobello High School became one of the first schools in Edinburgh to send a group of 40 girls to Glenmore Lodge, Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre. There they embraced the challenge of outdoor adventure and helped pave the way for generations of girls to experience the personal growth, confidence and resilience that come from stepping beyond their comfort zone.
More than seventy years later, a new generation of Portobello girls is preparing to do the same.
The Girls Cycling Programme is about far more than riding bikes. It has been developed to address the significant decline in girls’ participation in sport and physical activity during adolescence, creating a supportive environment where young women can build confidence, develop leadership skills, improve their wellbeing and form lasting friendships.
The programme brings together a unique partnership of pupils, staff, parents, volunteers and community organisations. The launch event saw the girls joined by the school’s S6 Cycling Ambassadors, parent and carer volunteers, cycling coaches and staff who have worked collaboratively to bring the initiative to life.
Over the coming months participants will take part in a wide range of activities including social rides, track cycling sessions at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, sportives, races, bike maintenance workshops, leadership development opportunities and community cycling projects.
The programme sits within the school’s wider Pedal Power Porty strategy, which has already seen cycling participation grow significantly across the school. More than 150 young people are now involved in cycling activities, including the PHS Singletrack Mountain Bike Team, School of Cycling programme, Cycling Ambassadors initiative, active travel projects and overseas touring opportunities.
A key feature of the programme is the role played by the school’s S6 Cycling Ambassadors, who will support younger pupils, help deliver activities and act as role models for the next generation of female cyclists.
Iris, S6 cycling ambassador, said:
“One of the things I’m most excited about is seeing girls realise they can do things they never thought possible. Cycling has given me confidence, independence and some amazing experiences, and now we have the opportunity to help other girls discover that for themselves. It’s about much more than riding a bike – it’s about building friendships, supporting each other and having the confidence to try something new.”
The launch comes at an exciting time for cycling in Scotland, with Edinburgh preparing to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2027.
The school is exploring opportunities for the girls to attend stages of the Tour de France Femmes and take part in a cycling challenge linked to the arrival of the Tour in Edinburgh.
The programme is also being delivered in partnership with Livity Youth Scotland, one of the school’s key charity partners
To help ensure that every young person can participate regardless of their financial circumstances, Portobello High School is actively seeking support from local businesses, organisations and members of the wider community.
The school is currently looking for sponsorship, donations of road bikes and cycling equipment, and contributions towards clothing, helmets and essential kit.
Those interested in supporting the programme, including financially, can contact the school directly or contribute through the Girls Cycling Team fundraising campaign https://gofund.me/971a49b46
Portobello High School Girls Cycle Training, Fife Cycle Park, Lochgelly, Fife, Thur 18/06/2026. Photography for the City of Edinburgh Council from: Colin Hattersley Photography
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