The decision not to run The Tour O the Borders event in 2024 was not taken by Scottish Borders Council.
The Council is fully committed to supporting the event and exploring opportunities to grow upon the success of previous events. We worked extensively with the organisers, Hillside Outside to consider alternative route options and ensure a fresh and engaging experience for participants and communities.
SBC is hugely disappointed by the organiser’s decision to announce that there will not be a Tour O the Borders event in 2024.
Over the past few months, colleagues have taken part in many discussions with the organisers, to enable the TOB to continue in 2024. Throughout the process, we maintained an open line of communication with the organisers, offering our support and exploring alternative formats or options that would meet their requirements. We have been consistent encouraging the organiser to avoid making any decision about the 2024 event until after a full evaluation of this year’s event, which showcases a new route for 2023, had been completed.
The implication was that if this year’s event was well received by participants, business and communities alike, this could present an opportunity to take forward the planning of the 2024 event. The Council recognises the significance of this event and the positive economic impact that it can bring to the region.
SBC put forward a number of options in relation to the 2024 event and would be happy to continue to work with the organiser, but unfortunately they have opted to announce that there will not be a 2024 event well in advance of this year’s event on the 3 of September which is regrettable and in our view entirely avoidable