A proposed tourism trail from Moffat to Berwick-upon-Tweed has received a cash boost from South of Scotland Enterprise.
The agency this week agreed to put £4.5 million into the Destination Tweed trail, a long distance walking and cycling route, over five years.
The money, which will go to the project co-ordinator, Tweed Forum, follows a £2.98m National Lottery Heritage Fund award in July.
Professor Russel Griggs, chairman of South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “Destination Tweed will connect a number of areas right across the south of Scotland, who will gain from the provision of a new long distance walking route as well as valuable conservation and environmental projects.
“SOSE is committed to supporting projects that not only provide long-term benefits to the people across the south of Scotland but also work in sustaining our much-admired natural environment.”
Earmarked for completion in 2027, the trail is expected to become “a jewel in the region’s tourism crown” and is being hailed as an opportunity to also bring multiple opportunities and benefits for the local communities involved by enhancing the environment and encouraging investment and business growth.
The new Tweed trail will begin near Moffat and, in sections, will take in the great houses, histories, stories and landscapes to be found along the route. The 113-mile route also aims to connect neighbouring communities.
It will include “extensive and innovative interpretation”, digital access and natural heritage conservation projects including woodland and pollinator habitat creation, river restoration and the restoration of designed landscapes.
Ambitious education, community and archaeology projects are also planned, along with a programme of events, plus learning, skills, employment, training and business development opportunities.
Destination Tweed is a Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal project being led by the Tweed Forum, with support from a host of agencies including Dumfries and Galloway Council, Southern Uplands Partnership, and SEPA.
Luke Fisher, the trail’s project manager at Tweed Forum, said: “We’d like to thank South of Scotland Enterprise for this significant grant which will help to create an important new tourism asset for the south of Scotland and for the country as a whole.
“The River Tweed is famed across the world for its salmon fishing, historic houses and castles, literary connections and wonderful natural environment.
“Destination Tweed aims to work with landowners and other partners across the region to harness this rich heritage and deliver a host of economic, environmental, educational, cultural and health benefits both for local communities and for visitors to the area.”
A full business case is being finalised to progress the release of funding from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal for Destination Tweed. Scottish Government Business Minister Ivan McKee said: “I welcome this extra investment, which will encourage tourism along the River Tweed and the wider Borders area as part of the Borderlands Growth Deal.
Visit Moffat and Moffat Promotions Group are enthusiastic supporters of the scheme.
