19 NOVEMBER 2008 NEWS RELEASE No: 10829

A series of initiatives focusing on more private sector involvement in the world class 7stanes mountain bike project is set to reinforce southern Scotland as a mecca for mountain biking.

The public sector partners that contributed to the success of the first two phases of the 7stanes have agreed to continue to support the project for a further three years.

A cash injection of £1 million will be spent on activities designed to further develop the south of Scotland as a global leader in mountain biking excellence.

The investment for the next three years signals a step change in strategy, with the focus moving to supporting business development based on the existing world-class trail infrastructure. This includes:

• supporting the development of businesses associated with the 7stanes, individually and collectively
• developing capacity and promoting a leadership role for the private sector
• encouraging the growth of mountain biking events and competitions
• increasing business participation in promoting the 7stanes
• working with local communities on joint initiatives linked to their local trails
• maintaining and improving the existing trails and trailhead infrastructure.

Minister for the Environment, Michael Russell, said:

"The 7stanes has been a major success story, not only for the south of Scotland but also in building Scotland's image world-wide as an outstanding destination for mountain bikers. The continuation of this successful public and private sector partnership will not only reinforce Scotland's reputation in the sport, but will bring wider benefits to businesses and communities alike."

The 7stanes team will be retained by Forestry Commission Scotland to deliver the project aims on behalf of the partners. The partners include Scottish Enterprise, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council and VisitScotland, with additional support being sought from Solway Heritage and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Over the next three years, the project will look to identify new business opportunities linked to the increasing number of mountain biking visitors, as well as targeting a series of initiatives to ensure the 7stanes continues to maximise economic, tourism and business benefits. Other work includes exploring training opportunities in areas such as mountain biking technology and trail building disciplines, improving forest interpretation, supporting the World Mountain Biking Conference in Dumfries in 2009 and refining the current national and international marketing.

The partners have also agreed to determine the options for the long term management and sustainability of 7stanes. A particular focus will look at ways of securing funding from new sources, as well as increasing the wider private sector participation.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES FROM PARTNERS

Alan Elliot of Scottish Enterprise added:

“Scottish Enterprise supports businesses to achieve their full potential in a regional, national and international context and the development of the 7stanes has led to 400,000 visitors a year to the various sites, generating significant returns for businesses. We firmly believe there is even more potential to increase the economic impact from the 7stanes so we are pleased to financially contribute support for further development of visitor packages and improved marketing of the 7stanes for the next three years. Not only will this development help to enhance the facilities, activities and marketing at the 7stanes and make better connections between businesses, but it will help to identify appropriate future private investment to ensure the long term sustainability of the 7stanes mountain bike trails”.

Councillor Vicky Davidson, Scottish Border’s Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development, commented:

“Scottish Borders Council recognises the importance of the 7stanes project to the Scottish Borders and the huge benefits it has already brought to the Tweed Valley in particular. Our contribution to this three year project will continue to support developments in the area with a much stronger emphasis on Newcastleton, where the full potential of cycling and mountain biking is yet to be unlocked. Exciting work is already happening and we look forward to working with the 7stanes team in the future.”

Damien Wilson Operations Manager Economic Regeneration and Europe for Dumfries and Galloway Council said;

"The Economic Regeneration section of the Council is pleased to continue to work with Forestry Commission Scotland to assist small and medium sized enterprises in the region build their mountain bike related business. The range of projects that the Commission will implement over the next three years will not only link the ongoing development of the 7stanes with local tourism and service related opportunities but also raise the profile of the region as a high quality, recreation destination."

Notes to editors:

A research report - 7stanes Phase 2 Evaluation - commissioned by Forestry Commission Scotland earlier this year revealed that the 7stanes helped to boost the economy in southern Scotland by increasing the annual visitor spend to over £9m in 2007. Some of the key findings also reveal that:

• Visitor numbers to the trail centres area have more than doubled since 2004, rising to some 400,000 per year
• The project has helped create 205 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs in southern Scotland;
• Overseas and UK visitors from outside Scotland has increased to 37 per cent - an increase of over 60% since 2004;
• The number of mountain bikers who bring their children with them has also increased to 15 per cent - from 10 per cent in 2004;
• The total number of visitors riding all the 7stanes puts it amongst the top 20 visitor attractions in Scotland;
• Almost all visitors were impressed with the 7stanes, with over 75 per cent of respondents saying that the quality of the trails was very good.

Media Enquiries to:
Claire Martin, Forestry Commission Scotland press office, tel: 0131 314 6506.