Over two million pounds of funding has been secured for the creation of an active travel path between Peebles and Eddleston with construction on the project due to start later this year
Details of the funding
Funding from the Scottish Government and South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) will help support our delivery of a multi-use active travel path for walkers, cyclists, wheelers and horse riders between the two areas.
It forms part of a campaign aiming to encourage more active travel in the region and make the Peebles and Eddleston areas more appealing places to walk, cycle or wheel.
The project has been developed in partnership between:
- ourselves
- Peebles Community Trust
- Sustrans
- South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE)
- Peebles Community Council
- Eddleston Community Council
A full planning application for the path has been approved with construction set to commence in November 2021.
It is anticipated that the project will be completed in the spring of 2022.
Councillor Gordon Edgar, Executive Member for Infrastructure, Travel and Transport
“Travel habits have changed significantly for many during the COVID-19 pandemic and as a result more and more people are choosing to walk, cycle or wheel around the region.
“The Council has been working with a range of partners to extend the existing network of multi-use paths across the Borders and in doing so promote alternative modes of transport.
“By creating a dedicated path we will make the area safer for residents and visitors and encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles.”
Professor Russel Griggs, South of Scotland Enterprise Chair
“I am delighted that SOSE has supported the Eddleston Water Path project with £656k worth of funding.
“This is a fantastic example of a community group working with us and partners to create a project which will benefit generations of local residents and encourage visitors to come to our region.
“With COP26 on the horizon, initiatives such as this are vital in encouraging people to choose to get active rather than use their car and contribute to carbon dioxide emissions.
“We are keen to speak to any other community groups in the South of Scotland who have innovative and sustainable ideas to take forward.”
Karen McGregor, Director of Capital Programmes for Sustrans Scotland
“We are pleased to provide funding and support for the new route between Eddleston and Peebles. The new path opens up a strategic walking, wheeling and cycling route between the two villages, making it easier for people to choose to leave the car at home on short journeys, while also contributing to the area’s extensive network of paths for leisure and riding.”