Trade Minister welcomes start of work on eco-cabin development at Glentress
The Forest Holidays project is expected to create more than 70 jobs
Last updated 10th May 2023
It's claimed a new £18million tourism development in the Tweed Valley will bring a host of "significant benefits" to the Borders.
Forest Holidays has begun work on 56 eco-cabins at Glentress Forest near Peebles, which is set to create more than 70 jobs - including around 50 during the construction phase.
The attraction is also expected to generate around £2m for the local economy, when it opens towards the end of next year, and increase the number of visitors to the region by 20,000 a year.
The company’s plans have been backed by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), who have provided £2.6million towards the project, as well as Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) with the site part of its award-winning Glentress Masterplan.
Welcoming the development on a visit to the site today (Wednesday), Scotland's Small Business, Innovation and Trade Minister, Richard Lochhead said: “Tourism is one of Scotland’s most important industries and Forest Holidays’ new eco-tourism development is projected to draw thousands of new visitors to the Scottish Borders as part of the Glentress Masterplan.
“In addition to increasing tourism and the potential for overnight stays, this development will create new jobs and economic opportunities for the surrounding communities.
“Sustainability is at the core of Scotland’s Tourism National Strategy, Outlook 2030, and this project is an example of the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting a resilient, sustainable and inclusive tourism economy for the future.”
READ MORE: New Transport Minister reveals 'major problem' facing campaign to extend Borders Railway
Forest Holidays says its cabins are designed to fit sensitively within the woodland, which is popular with walkers and cyclists.
The new development also includes a central reception and shop, ranger station, laundry pod, and cycle store.
READ MORE: Arrest made as bomb disposal team called to Borders property after 'suspect materials' found
Andrew Brook, Director of Sustainable Growth at Forest Holidays, said: “We are proud to play a part in creating a sustainable tourism destination in the Scottish Borders.
“Our environmentally sensitive cabin location will provide space in nature for people to stay overnight in a well-managed, ecologically diverse, and quiet forest environment, which in turn will support the forest for years to come.”
Professor Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, added: “The Glentress Masterplan aims to help reinvigorate the Tweed Valley and the South of Scotland more widely as a major visitor destination and investments such as Forest Holidays are a major step to supporting this aim.
“The eco-tourism development will play a key role in developing Glentress’ already impressive facilities – which will go on show to the world this summer as part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.”
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/