New studies to identify cycling and equestrianism opportunities in the Borders

SE hopes the reports will provide greater insight into existing facilities for cyclists and horse riders in the region and what is required to grow the number of visitors and how they can contribute more to the growth of the regional economy.

The reports also form part of Scottish Enterprise’s drive to develop a comprehensive strategy to position the South of Scotland as one of the UK's leading locations for adventure sports such as cycling and equestrianism as well as mountain biking and diving.

Julian Pace, executive director of Scottish Enterprise Borders, says: “The Scottish Borders has unique natural assets with its rolling landscapes and beautiful scenery. As part of our commitment to developing an adventure sports strategy, we want to look at how best to capitalise on these assets and developing recreational cycling and equestrianism present excellent opportunities to do this.

“The region is already regarded as having some of the best mountain bike tracks in the UK and the region attracts up to 250,000 visitors a year to experience the facilities at Glentress and Innerleithen. We aim to capitalise on this reputation by attracting cycling and equestrian groups to the region. These new studies will help us to identify what we need to do and what facilities are required for us to continue to increase the number of people visiting the region.”

There are a number of established recreational cycling routes in the Scottish Borders, including the long distance routes of the Coast & Castles, Four Abbeys and Tweed Cycle Routes; the Borderloop; and a wide variety of smaller trails in and around the region’s towns and villages.

The research by SE aims to identify what is currently done to promote the region’s cycling routes to Scottish, UK and international audiences and how this could be co-ordinated to deliver greater impact for the region. It will identify the needs of different cycling groups, including the provision of cyclist-friendly accommodation; food and drink facilities and secure areas for storing bicycles. Once completed the report will be used by SE and partners Visitscotland Borders and Scottish Borders Council to implement new activities.

Similarly, the study into equestrianism in the Borders will identify how many people are currently using the region’s equestrian facilities; the potential for increasing overnight and day visitors to the region; and also highlight the economic potential for increasing equestrian activities and events within the region. The report will also identify market opportunities which are not currently being utilised, and skills and labour shortages within the industry.

Both reports will complement the work that SE Borders is already undertaking in developing the adventure sports strategy. This includes:

• Feasibility work looking at the introduction of a permanent uplift facility for mountain bikers at Innerleithen.

• Development of the Tweed Valley Forest Park Area strategy to develop mountain biking and related activities in the area.

• Research into the economic potential of diving off the Berwickshire coast, which has led to the development of a new marketing plan and brand for East Berwickshire.

• Development of an events strategy and action plan for the South of Scotland, looking at opportunities to work with partners in Dumfries and Galloway.

Julian Pace adds: “Over the past year, we have seen some significant progress on key aspects of the adventure sports strategy and we look forward to working with partners across the South of Scotland to take these projects further and deliver an ambitious strategy that will create new investment and employment opportunities within the region.”