48 Hours In the Scottish Borders – New Tourism Initiative to attract visitors

Wednesday, July 1 2009

An exciting new tourism initiative has been launched in the Scottish Borders which invites visitors to spend 48 Hours in the area.

‘48 Hours In’ centres on the towns of Jedburgh and Kelso and visitors are invited to spend ‘a fun packed and exciting 48 hours’ in the Scottish Borders with a full programme of events and details of things to see and do in the local area.

The initiative focuses on the last weekend in August (Thursday 27 August to Sunday 30 August) when the towns of Kelso and Jedburgh play host to a packed programme of Homecoming Scotland 2009 events including the Taste of the Tattoo, In the Footsteps of the Reivers – Town Trails as well as other local events such as Rock at the Racecourse, the Massed Pipe Band day at Floors Castle, farmers markets and the Honda Goldwing International Motorcycle Treffen.

To maximise the economic benefits for local business and providers, ‘48 Hours In’ encourages visitors to not only visit the various events but also increase the time they spend in the Borders using local accommodation, visiting other attractions as well as shopping and eating out. ‘48 Hours In’ aims to attract visitors to the area, particularly from the rest of Scotland and Northern England.

When visitors plan their trips to the Taste of the Tattoo or Footsteps of the Reivers – Town Trails in Jedburgh, they are also encouraged to consider visiting local attractions such as Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum, Jedburgh Abbey, Mary Queen of Scots’ Visitor Centre or the Capon Tree.

In Kelso, visitors to the Rock at the Racecourse and the Massed Pipe Band day at Floors Castle are encouraged to extend their stay and visit local attractions such as Kelso Abbey, take a wander around the huge number of independent shops in the town centre or get their skates on at the Kelso Ice Rink.

Shops and businesses in Jedburgh, Kelso and further afield are also set to benefit as ‘48 Hours In’ includes details of a huge number of shopping gems including cafes, butchers, shops, restaurants and places to stay. Activities and attractions around Jedburgh and Kelso are also highlighted for visitors, whether cycling the Borders Abbey Way, golfing at the Roxburgh Hotel or visiting the Jedforest Deer and Farm Park.

Councillor Vicky Davidson, Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “The last weekend in August sees a packed programme of events taking place in Jedburgh and Kelso and this is the perfect time to attract new visitors to the area and encourage them to stay longer. To maximise these opportunities, officers have been working with local businesses in developing the ‘48 Hours In initiative’, the first phase of which was the promotion of events and towns to people attending the Royal Highland Show 2009. The concept is also an important component of the ongoing ‘shop-local’ activity across the region.”

John Davidson, Chairman of Jedburgh Merchants Association, Jedburgh Alliance, said: “The current economic climate obviously presents a number of challenges for local businesses and creative initiatives such as ‘48 Hours In’ will help local businesses meet these challenges head on. With events including The Taste of the Tattoo and walking tours for In the Footsteps of the Reivers coming to Jedburgh, ‘48 Hours In’ will hopefully benefit local businesses by providing an opportunity to engage with incoming visitors.”

Bruce M Roberts, Chairman of Kelso Chamber of Trade, said: “48 Hours In promotes the huge number of things to do and see in and around Kelso. Visitors are encouraged to come to new events such as Rock at the Racecourse and established events such as the Massed Pipe Band day at Floors Castle while also extending their stay. This initiative should have a positive impact on local accommodation and local businesses as more people choose to come to the town and, hopefully, stay longer.”

‘48 Hours’ In is a joint project between Scottish Borders Council, Jedburgh Alliance , the Kelso Chamber of Trade and VisitScotland.

Full details of the events, businesses and attractions included in 48 Hours In are available on www.jedburgh.org.uk, www.visitkelso.com and www.ourscottishborders.org.uk

Notes for Editors:

48 Hours In - Events

Thursday 27 August

Taste of the Tattoo

12.30pm - 1.30pm

Jedforest Rugby Ground, Riverside Park, Jedburgh | TD8 6UE

01750 725480

info@borderevents.com

www.borderevents.com/event/tattoo

Friday 28 August

‘In the Footsteps of the Reivers’ Town Trails

Jedburgh | TD8 6AH