New fund hopes to put South of Scotland on track to become leading cycling destination
Last updated 29th Oct 2024
A new fund is building on the South of Scotland's reputation as a leading cycling destination.
Grants of up to £25,000 are helping to provide things like extra bike storage, drying equipment and repair stations.
It's been set up by South of Scotland Enterprise, with support from the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership.
A glamping site near Innerleithen is one of the first to benefit - after being awarded £10,700.
Margot Smolenska, from Tweed Valley Pods, said: "It has had a very positive impact on our business and the facilities we now offer guests.
"We've had such great feedback, with visitors leaving five-star reviews.
"We are finding that people are booking longer stays with us in the knowledge they can wash and dry their muddy kit, wash their bikes and, importantly, store them securely."
Business Minister Richard Lochhead - himself a keen cyclist - was given a tour of the site this morning (Tuesday), to see the difference the grants are making for himself.
He said: "This is a welcome initiative, supporting the development of infrastructure to help cycling play a greater role in the local economy and giving a valuable boost to local businesses."
The fund follows the launch of the new coast-to-coast cycling route, between Stranraer and Eyemouth, and events such as the UCI World Cycling Champs - part of which was hosted at nearby Glentress.
READ MORE: New River Tweed trail takes step towards becoming 'one of the great long-distance routes in the UK'
Shepherd's Rest is a camping and glamping site at Foulden, in the eastern Borders, and used a grant from the Cycling Infrastructure Fund to create a lounge and cycle store.
Operator Alison Hibbert said: "Year on year we are seeing more enquiries and overnight stays from cyclists from across the UK and further afield.
"The Comfort Room project, supported by SOSE, has provided a larger area for cycling guests to congregate, swap stories and tips, charge their devices and buy essential supplies."
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