28 NOVEMBER 2008 NEWS RELEASE No: 12084

Forestry Commission Scotland is urging the people of Newcastleton to have their say about plans to boost their local economy.

A proposal is being put forward to encourage visitors to the 7stanes Newcastleton mountain bike trails to spend more time and money in the village instead of bypassing it.

The plans include the introduction of an information point in Douglas Square, improved road signage into the village and on to Dykecroft Car Park, and erection of temporary banners for special biking events or promotions. The public can view the plans at the village’s information pagoda between 28 November and 19 December 2008.

The Commission, working with Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council, has prepared the proposals in discussions with local businesses, the Community Umbrella Group and the Community Council.

Once the comments and views of local people have been collected, the Commission will discuss these further with the local groups before any submissions are made for planning consent.

Owner of The Grapes Hotel in Newcastleton, Trevor Cambridge, said:

“At the moment, the signs take people straight past Newcastleton onto the trails rather than into the village centre.

“If people were directed into the village to access information first, it would get them thinking that they could perhaps have a cup of coffee and a bite to eat or use some of the local shops after they’ve been out on the trails.

“While we get some business from mountain bikers, I’m sure it could be better and it’s very important for the local businesses, many of which rely on tourism to survive.”

Colin Williamson of the 7stanes said

"Forestry Commission Scotland and its partners are keen to grow the number of visitors riding the local 7stanes trails over the next three years and increase the amount of time and money they spend in the local Newcastleton community.

“We believe this initiative will help achieve that, by drawing more visitors into the village centre, along with wider plans to assist local businesses with marketing the village as a destination and attracting a mountain bike event to the area."

Allan Elliot of Scottish Enterprise said:

“We have invested substantial resources in the development of the 7Stanes over the last few years. We have always tried to encourage local businesses to maximise the opportunities that the 7stanes can offer in terms of economic development and growth and this sounds like a great proposal to get visitors to stop at Newcastleton and help boost the local economy.”

Councillor Vicky Davidson, Executive Member for Economic Development of Scottish Borders Council, said:

“The 7 Stanes Mountain Bike project has been very successful in pulling new visitors into the Scottish Borders. We now want to make sure that local businesses in Newcastleton recognise the potential spin-offs and come up with ideas that take advantage of this mountain biking trail-head.

“Newcastleton is well situated as a day and overnight trip destination from the North of England and there's certainly no better time than the present for pursuing creative and dynamic local business ideas.

“Any business attending the road-show event on Friday will also be able to get rural funding advice from our Business Gateway Officer.”

John Bailey of Whithaugh Park, a Christian outdoor activity centre on the outskirts of Newcastleton, said:

“Encouraging mountain bikers to start their day from the centre of the village is a great idea which will help support local businesses.

“If these visitors enjoy their time in the village, they are more likely to return again and again, which could lead to the creation of additional job opportunities.”

Media enquiries contact:
Claire Martin, Forestry Commission Scotland press office, tel: 0131 314 6506
Alice Blazy-Winning, 7stanes, tel: 01387 272440