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On the Right Track
A PROJECT to improve the path network on the iconic Eildon Hills in the Scottish Borders has been completed.
The work, which focussed on 4km of upland paths to help improve the quality of visitor experience and prevent erosion at the popular site, was funded through the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF).
The project was one of 17 across Scotland to benefit from the first round of RTIF, announced by the Scottish Government in October 2018, to fund new facilities to further enhance the visitor experience at some of Scotland’s most iconic and rural tourist sites.
Scottish Borders Council secured funding of £102,178 from the fund, which is administered by VisitScotland, to carry out the improvements to the path network which has seen considerable erosion of the path and surrounding vegetation due to increased visitor numbers. The use of natural materials and stone pitching processes will ensure that the paths are more sustainable for many years to come.
The improved path network was visited by VisitScotland Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead as part of an annual Listening Tour of the Scottish Borders.
VisitScotland Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead said:“Due to the continued success of tourism, it is crucial that we address those pinch points already identified and futureproof those areas where demand is growing. This fund is a crucial step towards ensuring that the tourism infrastructure meets current and future demand.“Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy and touches every community, generating income, jobs and social change.”The Eildon Hills are owned by Buccleuch Estates and the Scottish Borders Council Ranger’s Service maintains the promoted paths network over the hills.
Councillor Mark Rowley, SBC’s Executive Member for Business and Economic Development, said:“Hundreds of walkers use the paths around and over the Eildons every week and this funding has enabled significant improvements which will protect these routes for many years to come.“We were delighted to welcome Mr. Roughead to the region today to see for himself the work and investment both the public sector and many tourism businesses are putting in to making the Scottish Borders a must-visit destination for visitors from across the UK and abroad.”As part of his visit to the Scottish Borders, Mr. Roughead met with senior leaders from Scottish Borders Council and representatives from Visit Berwickshire Coast, Visit Kelso, Newcastleton Development Forum, MBTAG and Scottish Borders Tourism Partnership at Schloss Roxburghe.
Building on the successes of similar events held over the recent years, this series of Chief Executive Listening Tour meetings gives tourism organisations and businesses the opportunity to speak directly to Mr Roughead.
He then visited Thirlestane Castle, near Lauder, which has recently opened new luxury accommodation and event space following a major restoration.
For more information on the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, visit: https://www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/funding/rural-tourism-infrastructure-fund
On the Right Track
Improvements to Scottish Borders path network now complete