Scottish Borders Council's Executive Committee is to consider 'Destination Tweed' – an ambitious partnership project which aims to create a world-class long-distance route based around the River Tweed.

The project is being developed by Tweed Forum in collaboration with council and other partners, with the Executive Committee being recommended to allocate almost £175k to ensure the successful development of this large scale project.

In addition to council investment being sought, Tweed Forum has made a funding application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for almost £3m, and it is hoped that the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal will also provide financial support of £11m, the project being identified as its key tourism project in the deal.

It is estimated that the total project cost could be £20m and could provide a shared-use trail stretching from beyond the source of the Tweed above Moffat to the river mouth at Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The vision is for the trail and visitor experience to include a digital smart phone audio trail which would include tours, music, images, video, augmented reality and geo-mapping.


Councillor Mark Rowley, Executive Member for Business and Economic Development: "The idea to use the River Tweed as the basis for an ambitious and far-reaching tourism destination, beyond just the riverbank, has been an ambition of many people for a number of years. We have now reached a point where there is a significant opportunity to take it to the next stage thanks to the funding that may be available.

"The Tweed is famed for its salmon fishing and its catchment characterises much of the Borders' landscape. With traditional rural industries such as fisheries and farming are increasingly fragile and tourism has to be an even more important part of the future. This project would build on the outstanding natural, built and cultural heritage and visitor attractions along its banks to attract significant additional numbers of visitors to the Borders area.

"This project would deliver multiple benefits from Moffat to Berwick, including the regeneration of key buildings, community projects, river restoration and the delivery of a modern, innovative tourism experience unlike anything else in the south of Scotland if not the UK."

Luke Comins, director of Tweed Forum, added: "The Tweed is an incredible natural and cultural asset that is largely off the radar to many in the UK and beyond. This project will change that and create a journey from source to sea that will showcase the beauty of the river and connect up the myriad houses, castles, towns and tell the rich and varied story that is Tweed.

"But the project is far bigger than just the trail itself – we also be looking to restore woodland, rivers and designed landscapes; interpret key archaeological sites, create cultural activities and involve and educate children and people about the importance of the river to the region and how it is managed."

(MH/CM)