Press release -
Newcastleton set to Rock UK this summer with major tourism development
The Whithaugh Bridge and Bike Trails have been opened by Richard Scott, 10th Duke of Buccleuch following a successful project to link Newcastleton with the local forest and provide significant benefits to the local economy.
The new bridge, situated by Whithaugh Pool on the River Liddel, allows direct access from the village to the local forest via Rock UK Outdoor Centre. This, in conjunction with the relocation of the 7stanes mountain biking trailhead from Dykecrofts into Newcastleton, is expected to bring many more visitors into the village.
Rock UK currently welcomes 10,000 visitors every year and the new link will make it easier for guests to enjoy local shops, pubs and cafes. The local community will like-wise be able to easily access facilities at the centre, including the swimming pool.
The repositioning of the 7stanes trailhead into the village centre means businesses in Newcastleton have an opportunity to capitalise on the 7000 people who ride the 7stanes trails every year as currently many mountain bikers miss the opportunity to visit the village.
The £300K tourism development project was created by a strong partnership between Scottish Enterprise, 7stanes, Rock UK, VisitNewcastleton, Scottish Borders Council and the Forestry Commission who have worked closely together to help consolidate opportunities for Newcastleton.
Funding was successfully awarded to the project from the Scottish Rural Development Programme. A saving of £10K was made on the bridge which is second-hand, 45 metres long and weighs 40 tonnes. Counters have been placed on the bridge to measure the number of visitors and evaluate the project’s success.
Richard Scott, 10th Duke of Buccleuch said: “I would like to warmly congratulate all those who have achieved this hugely welcome development, providing a great boost to tourism in Liddesdale.”
Paula McDonald, Regional Director of VisitScotland, said; “The opening of the Whithaugh Bridge is a hugely significant step forward for the future of tourism for the Newcastleton area. It’s continually so impressive to see such effective partnership working and the new bridge, along with the new re-positioning of the 7Stanes mountain biking trailhead will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the local economy and community and we continue to work in partnership with the Scottish Borders Council to market the area at local, national and international level.”
*Mountain biking in the south of Scotland is currently worth £11m with 82% visitors coming from outwith the South of Scotland and 37% from outwith Scotland;
For more information contact:
Mon-Fri Ellen Drummond Ferroni
VisitScotland Regional Corporate Press Officer Tel: 0141 566 4019;
Mob:07801 820757
Email: mailto:ellen.drummondferroni@visitscotland.com
Out of hours media enquiries: 07699 766986
Thurs & Fri
Sharon Makepeace
VisitScotland Regional Corporate Press Officer Tel: 01387 245 564/07771 981 236
Topics
- Tourism
Categories
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Regions
- Scotland
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