A new Events Strategy for the area was discussed by our Executive Committee at their meeting on 16 August.
The strategy, covering the five year period to 2027, aims to target support towards strategic events that will have the greatest economic impact, deliver local, national and even international benefits, which are sustainable and working towards Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The strategy, which is backed by approximately £100,000 per year with an additional £500,000 investment over the next three years, is also targeting the development and growth of a flourishing, innovating and competitive events sector which generates local business, creates jobs and delivers long term positive impacts.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Community and Business Enhancement
“The Scottish Borders has a great portfolio of successful home-grown strategic events, from the Jim Clark Rally to TweedLove and the Borders Book Festival to more recent additions such as the Jackie Stewart Classic at Thirlestane Castle or the concerts at Floors Castle.
“These continue to help the Scottish Borders build its reputation as a great place to hold events of all kinds and sizes, and we want to ensure we can sustain and grow our existing events, support the creation of new ones and bring in national and international scale events, such as the Tour of Britain and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
“The events calendar in the Scottish Borders is packed throughout the year and it is important to recognise the really positive impact that events of all sizes, and the people they attract, from competitors to visitors and also local people, have on our local economy.
“This Council has committed to investing an extra £500,000 to support the new Events Strategy over the next three years and it is important to note that the support we can provide to event organisers goes beyond grants and includes a wide variety of in-kind support, as well advice and signposting to other potential funding opportunities.”
Event organisers are encouraged to get in touch with the our Economic Development team on 01835 825066 for more information regarding the support that is available, particularly for new event ideas.
More information
The Events Strategy, accompanying report and replay of the Executive Committee meeting is available our our website.