Ambitious Destination Tweed project to receive £10m Government funding

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has confirmed £10 million of Scottish Government funding for the ambitious Destination Tweed programme through a growth deal.

The funding will support delivery of the River Tweed trail project, which will create a 113-mile long walking and braided cycling route along the full length of the river from Moffat.

Other funding for the project has come from walking and cycling charity Sustrans, South of Scotland Enterprise and Northumberland County Council.

Scottish Borders Council is leading the River Tweed trail development in partnership with the Tweed Forum.

Funded by both the Scottish and UK Governments, the £350 millions Borderlands inclusive growth deal is supporting a wide range of projects across five local authority areas on both sides of the border.

Ms Forbes confirmed the £10 million funding, and also unveiled distinctive branding for the trail which will help guide visitors along the route, on a visit to Tweed Forum’s headquarters at Old Melrose on Monday.

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 £10 million 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.”

Councillor 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.”

It is estimated the project will bring an extra 267,000 visitors to the area after 10 years, with associated spending of £27.9 million.

This is expected to support about 400 existing jobs and also create opportunities for new businesses and employment opportunities.

Work has already started on developing the River Tweed trail, which involves 166 separate packages, including the creation of paths, major upgrades to existing paths, bridge replacements and repairs.

It is estimated the trail will be completed in 2028.

Luke Fisher, Destination Tweed project director, said: “We’re extremely grateful for the £10 million funding confirmed by the Deputy First Minister today to support the development of the River Tweed trail.

“The river Tweed is one of the UK’s most highly designated and inspirational river corridors, famed across the world for its salmon fishing, great houses and castles, literary connections and wonderful natural environment.

“Through the sensitive development of the trail and the delivery of a wide range of cultural, river and landscape enhancement projects, we will use these rich assets to harness the area’s tourism potential, connect communities along the length of the river and support the environment and economy across the south of Scotland and north Northumberland.”