Children's cycle library opens in Stornoway

Kia, whose family fled Afghanistan three years ago, on one of the scheme's bikes

A free children's bike loan scheme has been launched in Lewis.

The cycle library in Stornoway offers bikes for 4-16 year-olds for long term loans of up to a year.

Among those helping out with the project is Murtaza Barlas, a refugee who fled Afghanistan with his family three years ago.

He said it felt good to be able to help others because of the support his family had received from islanders after starting a new life in the Western Isles.

Members of the public have donated bikes to the cycle library in Stornoway

Under the cycle scheme, a toolkit and basic maintenance manual are provided with each bike.

Tyre pumps, locks, helmets and stabilisers are also available on request.

It was set up by Volunteering Hebrides and Embark Community Cycling Project and received public funding.

Co-ordinator Rebecca MacAskill said the project had been well-received in Lewis

The bikes have been donated by people who no longer need them, and they are checked over by a mechanic before being made available.

Co-ordinator Rebecca MacAskill said: "It has been a really amazing community initiative.

"Lots of people have been really appreciative of what we doing, and willing to give back themselves."

Murtaza Barlas said his family's lives had improved since arriving in Scotland

Mr Barlas and his family, including his wife Frishta and their young son Kia, fled from Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power following the withdrawal of a US-led military coalition in August 2021.

The family feared they would face persecution from the Taliban if they did not leave.

The family have started a new life in Lewis with help from local charity the Linda Norgrove Foundation.

Mr Barlas said: "Everything is better now.

"It was quite dark for someone to change everything and start again."