Forestry Commission Scotland, on behalf of all the 7stanes partners (see the contact us page for partner details), commissioned an evaluation of the second phase of the 7stanes project. The second phase (completed in 2008) aimed to widen the appeal of mountain biking while ensuring that wider tourism business, health and social benefits were secured for the south of Scotland.
The evaluation report highlights that:
- The project has helped create 205 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs in southern Scotland
- Overseas visitors and UK visitors to the 7stanes from outside Scotland have 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.
- Visitor spend on the 7stanes was over £9 million in 2007.
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