A LONG-MOOTED path and cycle route connecting Gullane and Drem is “not currently viable”.

Drem-Gullane Path Campaign has been calling for a path to take pedestrians and cyclists off the busy B1377 for more than a decade.

But a study carried out for East Lothian Council has found the route, which would cost more than £1 million, is not viable.

However, despite the setback, the campaign group has vowed: “We will not give up.”

The comprehensive study looked at the feasibility of providing a safer link to cycle or walk between the two communities.

The findings were released in a 48-page study this month.

Peter Brett Associates considered a range of possible options for both the route and costs for the path, taking into consideration availability and accessibility of land, suitability of surface, public safety and external funding considerations.

The study concluded that a new cycle route/link from Drem to Gullane was not currently viable.

Tom Reid, head of infrastructure at East Lothian Council, said: “East Lothian Council is committed to identifying and securing active travel options across the county and has delivered many such projects in recent years.

“Over the past five years we have committed £250,000, and attracted additional external funding of just over £800,000, for core paths and a further £1.2m over the past two years on sustainable travel options, which includes the safe link from Gullane to North Berwick.

“We are disappointed that – following years of work carried out by the council together with our stakeholders – the feasibility study has not identified any current viable solutions for this route.

“We have indicated that we would be happy to hold a further meeting with the Drem-Gullane Path Campaign to discuss this outcome.”

Iain V Monk, spokesman for the campaigners, vowed the fight to see a new route created was not over.

He was “heartened by the commitment from council officers and elected members to continue exploring options for delivering this safe link” and planned to meet officers to discuss the next steps.

Mr Monk said: “The report is lengthy and contains a lot of detail.

“Everyone in the community must be given the opportunity in a public forum to quiz East Lothian Council about the consultant’s findings and how they reached their conclusions.

“To ensure transparency and accountability, our campaign group urges the council and report-funders Sustrans Scotland to take part in a public meeting in Gullane Village Hall in the near future.

“With hundreds of new homes being built in Gullane and the traffic issues at Drem station, it is critical that safe, family-friendly active travel options are available.

“We must act now given the need for environmentally sustainable long-term plans in light of the acknowledged climate emergency.

“A decent path for cyclists and walkers is a win-win proposition.

“The proposed path commands overwhelming support from residents and businesses in the local community. We will not give up.”