AN AMBITIOUS project to create more than 100 miles of walking and cycling routes along the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders has been backed financially by the government.
The Scottish Government has committed £10 million to the River Tweed Trail project, which will see a 113-mile-long walking and braided cycling route along the full length of the river from Moffat, near the source of the Tweed, to Berwick-upon-Tweed where the river meets the sea.
The overall Destination Tweed programme is made up of 13 projects with the funding coming from the Scottish Government coming from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal will go directly to supporting the river trail.
It is estimated that the programme will help bring an additional 267,000 visitors a year to the area in 10 years, with associated spending of £27.9m.
It is hoped the project will help support around 400 existing jobs and also create opportunities for new businesses and employment opportunities.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the ambitious programme will not only protect the area's natural assets but also help showcase the river.
She said: “Tourism is already a vitally important sector to the South of Scotland, with tourists and day trippers attracted by its many attractions, beauty spots and wonderful landscapes.
“I am pleased to confirm Scottish Government funding of £10m to help deliver Destination Tweed. This is an ambitious programme which will not only protect and enhance the region’s treasured natural assets but, in the River Tweed Trail, create a piece of infrastructure with which to capitalise on these assets, helping further grow, develop and showcase what the region has to offer.”
With funding from both the Scottish and UK governments, the £350m Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is supporting a wide range of projects across five local authority areas on both sides of the border.
Cllr Euan Jardine, leader of Scottish Borders Council and Borderlands Partnership co-chair, said: “The Destination Tweed programme aims to capitalise on, protect and enhance this incredible asset that we have running through the region and help create a unique attraction which will share the nature, history and stories of the river and surrounding area with visitors from across the world.
“The River Tweed Trail is the keystone project within the £25 million Destination Tweed programme and will allow people to travel on foot or by bike from the source to the sea, connecting communities and attractions along the route. It will be one of the great long-distance routes in the UK.
“Along with the complementary cultural, river and landscape enhancement projects in the wider programme, it will enhance biodiversity, increase resilience to climate change impacts and increase footfall and visitor spend in communities along the route and surrounding area.”
The River Tweed is a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
