A new cycle route could bring tens of thousands of new visitors to the Stewartry.
The 250-mile Coast to Coast route will run from Stranraer to Eyemouth, taking cyclists through Gatehouse, Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas.
It will be one of the longest cycle routes in the country, with estimates it could attract up to 175,000 new visitors to the south of Scotland, spending more than £13 million a year.
The cycle route – which will be entirely on roads – is being delivered by the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership, which includes South of Scotland Enterprise, Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders Councils, South of Scotland Destination Alliance, Sustrans Scotland and VisitScotland.
A joint statement from the chairman and vice chairman of the council’s communities committee, Archie Dryburgh and John Campbell, said: “Cycling is at the heart of a lot in Dumfries and Galloway.
“By linking up with the Scottish Borders and our other partners, we are expanding our offer to cyclists to come to the south of Scotland.
“There is affordable accommodation on the route, local cycle shops to help lend a hand and plenty to do and see on the route.
“Dumfries and Galloway Council has a long-standing relationship with cycling and this is another cog in that wheel.”
It’s hoped the new route will be launched in time for the 2023 UCI World Championships coming to Scotland in August, with the para-cycling road race being held in Dumfries and Galloway.
South of Scotland Enterprise has provided nearly £350,000 to allow the project to get to this stage, with partners now investigating what additional funding is needed.
South of Scotland Enterprise chairman Professor Russel Griggs said: “We see cycling as a massive opportunity for our region, which brings so many benefits.
“This is why the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership Strategy was launched in September and why partners are also working together on the hugely exciting Coast to Coast project.
“We look forward to engaging with communities in the coming months.”
