Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 04/10/2022

Destination Tweed funding boost

A new long-distance trail running along the length of the River Tweed has received a funding boost. South of Scotland Enterprise will provide £4.5 million over five years to Tweed Forum to part-fund the delivery of its 'Destination Tweed' project.

Destination Tweed will see the creation of a long distance walking route which will facilitate cycling in sections from Moffat to Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

The 113-mile route will connect neighbouring communities and will be supported by an ambitious activity programme including events and educational and cultural engagement opportunities as well as a wide range of conservation and enhancement projects.

  • What is Destination Tweed?

    Destination Tweed is a unique source-to-sea river revitalisation project that features the creation of a 113-mile trail running from Moffat, past the source of the River Tweed and on to Berwick Upon Tweed where the river meets the sea.

    The multi-faceted initiative, which will see an investment of around £25 million in the area, also includes a wide range of cultural, river and landscape enhancement projects. 

    All will combine to deliver significant economic, environmental, educational and social benefits to the south of Scotland. The River Tweed is a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

    Destination Tweed is being delivered by Tweed Forum. Other partners involved in the project are Scottish Borders Council, Northumberland County Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council, South of Scotland Enterprise, Sustrans, Southern Uplands Partnership, Buglife, Borders Forest Trust, Tweedsmuir Community Company, SEPA, VisitScotland, NatureScot and landowners along the river.

    Destination Tweed is one of the projects within the Borderlands Growth Deal and the Scottish Government has committed to provide £10 million.

    You can visit the Tweed Forum website for more information.

I welcome this extra investment, which will encourage tourism along the River Tweed and the wider Borders area as part of the Borderlands Growth Deal.

The Scottish Government’s £85 million funding for the Deal will boost sustainable growth in the South of Scotland as part of wider efforts to transform the economy.

Ivan McKee, Scottish Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise

Destination Tweed will connect a number of areas right across the south of Scotland, who will gain from the provision of a new long distance walking route as well as valuable conservation and environmental projects.

SOSE is committed to supporting projects that not only provide long-term benefits to the people across the south of Scotland but also work in sustaining our much-admired natural environment.

Professor Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise

The Trail will be underpinned by an innovative, interpretive experience to be enjoyed by visitors and residents of the Scottish Borders alike.  

The project aims to deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits in all areas covered by the route along a distance of the River Tweed. 

 

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