Government cash to boost £11m forest tourist project

A new forest project in the Scottish Borders has secured £1 million of public money.

The Scottish Government funding for Forest Enterprise Scotland will support plans for around nine miles of new mountain biking trails, multi-use paths and other infrastructure improvements at Glentress Forest.

The money will also help to secure a further £10.7m of private financing.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This project highlights the potential of private and public sectors working together.

“This fantastic new forest attraction will increase tourism and potential for overnight stays, create new jobs and boost the local economy.”

The overall £11.75m tourism development is being managed in a partnership between Forest Enterprise Scotland and Forest Holidays, which is providing the private sector investment.

It has the potential to generate an extra £1m into the local economy each year, employ up to 60 people and increase visitors to Glentress Forest from 300,000 to 330,000 by 2022.

Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said: “This highlights the understanding of muchneeded investment in Scotland’s tourism product.

“This is great news for the south of Scotland, an area where there is huge potential for tourism and the partnership project is an excellent example of public and private sectors working together to strengthen Scotland’s position as a global tourism destination.”