As the official route of the Tour de France Grand Départ was announced on 22 October, we have launched a funding scheme to help communities get involved and deliver a long-term legacy from the event.
A Grand Départ Community Activation Fund will support communities and businesses to deliver inclusive, locally distinctive cycling activities linked to the event - boosting participation, celebrating local identity, strengthening communities, supporting tourism, and promoting health and wellbeing.
Grand Départ Community Activation Fund
The grant will aim to help communities maximise the benefits of the Tour coming to the Scottish Borders with:
- Micro Grants of £100 to £1,000 for community-led activities and events.
- Large Grants of £1,001 to £10,000 for larger-scale projects and celebrations.
Community groups and businesses can find details on the Community Activation Fund and guidance on how to apply in the dedicated section on our website.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders:
"At our engagement events earlier this year, lots of communities and local organisations came forward with great ideas and plans to celebrate and get involved in the Borders hosting the Tour de France.
"It is great that communities from across the region are so engaged already and we are committed to working alongside them to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity, delivering not only an amazing experience but a long-term legacy. This funding will support those efforts and is now open to applications.
"With around two-thirds of Stage 1 in the Scottish Borders, there are lots of opportunities for both community groups and businesses to be involved and I'd urge people to get their thinking caps on, and we'll do what we can to help make it all possible."
After departing Edinburgh on Friday 2 July, Stage 1 will head south to Innerleithen, then on to Galashiels and Melrose. The route then takes the riders to the edge of Selkirk and on to Hawick and Newcastleton towards the stage finish in Carlisle.
Find out more
Find out more about the Tour de France coming to the Scottish Borders on our website, including the route, how to get involved and updated frequently asked questions.