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Explore the South of Scotland Magazine is produced bi-monthly with the twin objectives of promoting the tourism offer in the South of Scotland region - and the all important task of helping you plan ahead for your visit.
Your team
Editorial
David Pike
Yvonne Ridley
Maggie Elliot Aline Varty
Meriem Yahiaoui
Photography
Steven Somerville
Ian Bell
Dennis Laing
Get in touch
Explore the South of Scotland Magazine is free of charge and e-mailed to desktops everywhere. Make sure of a regular copy by getting in touch at the editor’s e-mail below.
And if you have a story you would like to share or an event coming up we would love to hear from you. 07970 811 831 davidpike55@googlemail.com
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Vertu Corporate Communications.
www.ssdalliance.com
Welcome to the South of Scotland
No doubt about it - the South of Scotland’s tourism sector starts the new year with a spring in its step.
We are pleased to report in this issue that official data shows that South of Scotland Destination Alliance’s COVID recovery objectives are 2.5 years ahead of target.
That augers well for longer term ambitions outlined in its Responsible Tourism Strategy 2024-2034 that was launched in March.
This issue is delighted to report major tourism proposals on several fronts including plans from Center Parcs to bring its first Scottish holiday development to the Borders.
That news as enhanced by plans unveiled by CampbellMac Developments to establish luxury holiday lodges on land south of Jedburgh.
We report on those developments and much more in this edition of the magazine.
Detailed information about all that’s on offer for the visitor to the South of Scotland can be found at the South of Scotland Destination Alliance website - www.ssdalliance.com.
We wish all our readers all the best for the holiday season. Happy reading.
We
Whether its a day trip, a weekend break or an extended stay the South of Scotland offers something for everyone. And it’s essential to plan ahead.
Explore the South of Scotland Magazine, in association with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, is your perfect companion introducing you to places of interest, activity breaks and a look at what’s coming up for the two months ahead.
Our magazine is delivered by experienced journalists, writers and photographers to help you make the most of your stay in a truly remarkable part of the world.
6 December 2024 - 22 December 2024 Monteviot Gardens, Jedburgh
Unprecedented investment in South of Scotland Tourism
When we launched the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy earlier this year there was an audible gulp when, together with South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), VisitScotland and our two councils, we said we would collectively increase the annual economic benefit of tourism by £1 billion and support a further 6,000 jobs. Was this realistic? Was this achievable?
It was, therefore, a great pleasure to announce with the Deputy First Minister that the latest independent data shows the South of Scotland visitor economy grew by 20% last year, with an extra £150 million going to local businesses, and a 14% increase in jobs.
Then there was the game-changing announcement from Center Parcs - that they plan to build their first holiday village in Scotland, between Hawick and Selkirk. The sheer scale of this investment is
Scotland Starts Here The future of tourism
in the South of Scotland
unprecedented: at c£400m, it’s larger than the entire Scottish Borders Railway!
The new Center Parcs will create 1,200 permanent, year-round jobs, in addition to around 800 in construction. The resultant £30-£40 million a year increase in local salaries has the potential to transform our high streets.
Confidence breeds confidence and investment breeds investment. Already, there are a handful of other very major investments in our visitor economy, at various stages in the pipeline.
Together, they will see a significant increase in our bed-stock, something that many local businesses and communities have been
calling out for.
These are exciting times for the South of Scotland. We have a strategy which unites the public, private and third sector: we are all pushing in the same direction and there is no greater endorsement of this than these sort of unprecedented investments.
Collaboration, energy, vision and ambition; this is what powers destination development.
Together, we will work to ensure we harness maximum possible benefit from these investments for local communities and local businesses, in sustainable and responsible ways. Join us.
Grayling Society donates £500 to TweedStart
Members from across the UK gathered for the Grayling Society's annual gathering at the McDonald Cardrona Hotel near Peebles.
The event celebrates the rich heritage of grayling fishing and brings together enthusiasts from across the country.
The weekend featured talks from the Tweed Foundation, including biologist Jonny Archer’s insightful presentation on the history of grayling in the Tweed and Ben McCallum’s discussion on the Foundation’s educational programmes.
David Hope-Jones OBE, CEO, South of Scotland Destination Alliance
For the good of the river
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of a £500 donation from the Grayling Society to the Tweed Foundation in support of TweedStart, an educational programme fostering environmental stewardship and inspiring a passion for fishing among young people.
The cheque was handed over by Grayling Society President Feargal Sharkey and Conference Coordinator John Gibson (top right), appropriately on the banks of the Tweed.
Feargal Sharkey commended the Foundation’s work, stating, "The Grayling Society is deeply impressed by the Tweed Foundation’s commitment to engaging young people in both angling and conservation efforts along the Tweed."
Founded in 1977, The Grayling Society is dedicated to the conservation and recognition of grayling as a true wild game fish.
From humble beginnings, the Society has grown to represent over 900 members across 18 countries, promoting grayling conservation and angling worldwide. Through scientific research, habitat management, and conservation efforts, the Tweed Foundation seeks to ensure a sustainable future for all fish species in the river system, especially Atlantic salmon.
The Tweed Foundation is a charitable trust working to protect, improve and enhance the stocks of all native freshwater fish species within the River Tweed system We are at the forefront in bringing a professional, scientific approach to fisheries management and are engaged in an extensive programme of biological monitoring, habitat enhancement and education
Top tourism stars shine at national Thistle Awards
Leading lights of tourism and hospitality in the South of Scotland celebrated at the national Scottish Thistle Awards ceremony in Glasgow last night.
They brought home four awards altogether, with two winners from the Scottish Borders and two winners from Dumfries and Galloway.
Finalists from the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway were represented in 13 award categories against their counterparts from the rest of the country.
Once again the awards ceremony showcased the impressive scope and quality of the South of Scotland’s burgeoning visitor appeal and highlighted the growing importance of tourism on the local economy.
David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) said: “We’re really proud of our outstanding tourism and hospitality sector here in the South of Scotland – from our unforgettable experiences and attractions to our incredible accommodation and food and drink offering.
"The latest successes reflect this quality and excellence, with four regional finalists taking home national awards.
"This is the South of Scotland’s second best year in the 30 year history of these prestigious awards.
“I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to all of the finalists and winners of the national Scottish Thistle Awards.
“Tourism is a vital part of our local economy and everyone who participated in our second regional South of Scotland Thistle Awards has done their region proud, proving that there is truly no limit to the
quality and excellence of tourism talent in the South of Scotland!”
The second regional South of Scotland Thistle Awards were held at the Peebles Hydro earlier this year, delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise and VisitScotland, together with returning headline sponsor Caledonia Park Designer Outlet.
This year saw the introduction of a brandnew award category, the Rising Star Award, which recognises the emerging talent shaping the future of tourism and hospitality in the region.
Planning is already under way for the next South of Scotland Thistle Awards in 2025, with entries due to go live in the spring.
2024 Scottish Thistle Awards winners
Scottish Borders
Best Bar or Pub - Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge
Inclusive Tourism Award - Trimontium Museum, Melrose
Dumfries and Galloway
Best Eating Experience - The Globe Inn, Dumfries
Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival
Wigtown Festival Company, Wigtown
This is a tremendously exciting project and offers the opportunity to transform leisure and tourism in the Scottish Borders.
Center Parcs is an exceptionally popular destination for families in the UK and Ireland and there is robust demand to support a seventh village.
Throughout our history, we have demonstrated that a Center Parcs village provides significant economic benefits locally, regionally and nationally.
Sustainability is at the core of our values. In three decades of operating in the UK and Ireland, we have transformed areas of commercial woodland into a rich tapestry of flora and fauna.
This site gives us a bold, new approach and create a woodland ourselves, delivering significant biodiversity net gain and planting thousands of new trees.
"We are at an early stage with these proposals and have a lengthy and thorough planning process ahead.
We have already conducted a significant number of surveys to assess the site and we intend to continue with additional surveys and site development.
This will work alongside a programme of pre-planning application consultation and community engagement.
Colin McKinlay Chief Executive Officer Center Parcs
Center Parcs - heading for the Borders
In what would prove a massive boost to the tourism sector in the Scottish Borders, premium short break provider Center Parcs has announced plans for a seventh holiday village development.
The company is developing proposals to establish 700 lodges on a 1000-acre site located between Hawick and Selkirk.
Proposals were unveiled by Center Parcs boss Colin McKinlay, and although still at an early stage the company has signed an option agreement with land owners the Buccleuch Group and intends to submit a planning application in 2025.
In investment terms the new holiday park is expected to cost
between £350m-£400m.
During the construction phase, the project is expected to create work for up to 800 and local contractors will be used where possible.
The proposed village will follow a similar design concept to Center Parcs’ existing six holiday villages in England and Ireland and will be open all year round.
The site will offer a range of indoor and outdoor activities, shops, bars, restaurants, an Aqua Sana Forest Spa and Center Parcs’ iconic indoor water park, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise.
Once complete the holiday park will offer around 1,200 permanent, non-seasonal jobs and
Center Parcs is a massive opportunity for the Borders.
significant career opportunities.
Center Parcs plans to undertake an extensive programme of afforestation, carefully cultivating a new woodland and delivering significant biodiversity net gain on the site. Currently, the site is predominantly open grassland with some woodland areas.
Benny Higgins, Executive Chairman of the Buccleuch Group, said: "This project promises to have an outstandingly positive impact on tourism and leisure in the Scottish Borders.
"We are delighted to have signed an option agreement that will enable Center Parcs to the next steps towards fulfilling its ambitions."
We pride ourselves on our natural capital, one of rolling hills and stunning valleys.
We have one of the best cycling areas in the world, the Tweed Valley, and now, with Center Parcs, we have an addition that will bring us to a natural crescendo in tourism.
With our already substantial cultural offerings, including ...
• The Great Tapestry of Scotland
• Abbotsford House
• Trimontium Museum
• Jim Clark Museum
... and an impressive array of historic houses and castles, we are a region well-versed in delivering exceptional tourist experiences.
For too long, we have played second fiddle to the likes of the Highlands and Edinburgh.
This is our chance to reverse the thinking that we are merely a barren land to drive through.
We have so much to offer right now, and when Center Parcs opens, we will undoubtedly be the number one destination in Scotland for tourism, proudly claiming that Scotland Starts Here!
Cllr Euan Jardine Galashiels & District Leader, Scottish Borders Council
Landscapes that are made to inspire
by Meriem Yahiaoui
Browsing through the private gallery, Seaton’s of Scotland, in the historic town of Melrose, you are instantly drawn to the vivid and dramatic colour palette of Scottish artist, Bruce Graham.
The pop of bright colour glimpsing through an atmospheric and dramatic sky with varying cloud formations, or turbulent seas with rolling waves, instantly inspires hope in you.
"I didn’t start painting until I retired. In my retirement year, my daughter gave me some paints and a note saying “maybe you’ll paint me a masterpiece one day!’" explains the artist, Bruce Graham.
"I started attending a community art group every week, just painting as a hobby, and one week something just clicked and I have been painting ever since…Now I have artworks in each corner of the world from Japan to Germany, Italy and America."
Bruce is a skilled painter working primarily in oils.
He employs pallet knives to capture rugged rock formations and cliff faces; creating a painterly effect that retains the fidelity of the environment’s features. In contrast to the thick application of paint with pallet knives is the precision work executed with paintbrushes that detail the more subtle elements such as the breaks in the clouds, the gentle vegetation, and boats.
Bruce’s paintings of landscapes and seascapes of Scotland’s coastline offer a formal beauty, but they also boast strong emotional currents, in part, as a result
of his deft handling of the dramatic interplay of light and dark that bring his subjects to life.
In regard to colour palettes, Bruce explains: "I work with colours that would enhance an interior. I have a keen eye for detail and know instinctively what colour combinations would work."
It is the overwhelming sense of the power of nature that runs through all his paintings that has enabled him to establish a modern take on landscape painting.
Significantly, it is his ability to portray the power of nature yet still manage to weave hope and cheerfulness in the viewer.
Man is not at the mercy of mother nature, but can marvel and draw inspiration from her.
He enjoys viewing other works by artists and draws inspiration from many sources; working from life and his imagination, he has forged the successful career he enjoys today.
It is his daughter, however, who he is most grateful to for ‘waking up the artist’ in him.
Bruce Graham
Get in touch
w: www.theartistbrucegraham.com
t: 07799 717 256
e: theartistbrucegraham@gmail.com
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Dreams that turned into a bestseller
Joyce Cochrane had just discovered she was pregnant when she and her partner Ian gave up their jobs and moved from Edinburgh to revive a former bookshop in Wigtown.
With no stock, no shelves in the shop, no accommodation and having no retail experience they were gambling everything on a dream.
The couple have recently celebrated the 20th anniversary running The Old Bank Bookshop, now one of the largest and most vibrant literature-related businesses in Scotland’s National Book Town.
Joyce said: “We had been to visit family in Newton Stewart and were driving home to Edinburgh when Ian mentioned his dream of giving up our jobs and opening a book shop in Wigtown.
“He fully expected me to tell him not to be so daft and nearly drove off the road when I said yes – I didn’t know I was pregnant at the time, but I think the ‘happy hormones’ made me agree.”
One day, after spending time looking for the ideal place, they were told the Old Bank Bookshop was available, and by the afternoon they had made the deal.
The building had been expected to be turned into flats, so was completely stripped of fittings when they received the keys.
But locals, including fellow bookshop owner Shaun Bythell, all mucked in and helped them build shelves and refit the place. The shop’s former owner John Carter was so delighted that it would continue as a shop that he accompanied them to auctions to buy books.
Joyce said: “Wigtown is a magical place. There we were, me a five-months-pregnant ex-librarian and Ian an unemployed English as a foreign language teacher, and the community came together to help us succeed.”
By the time the shop finally reopened Ian and Joyce had been joined by daughter Helena.
Since then they have become mainstays of the Book Town, of the annual Wigtown Book Festival, including sponsoring events and hosting guests like former cabinet minister Alan Johnson.
Joyce is one of the leading volunteers, supporting the town’s world-famous Open Book Airbnb. She was also a member of the WFC Board for 12 years and served on the Book Town Development Board.
Anne Barclay, Operations Director of Wigtown Festival Company, said: “Joyce and Ian’s contribution to the festival, to the Book Town, to The Open Book and now to our new Friends of Book Town scheme has been incredible. Whatever it is, they smile, chuckle and say ‘yes’.”
Discover Your Roots
Top: Ian and Joyce welcome Book Festival guest former Labour MP and Home Secretary Alan Johnson to the Old Bank Bookshop.
Above: Then and now....Ian and Joyce prepare to take on the Old Bookshop adventure ... and still going strong after 20 years of turning the pages.
Return journeys that open new chapters on family history
Family tree detectives are making a beeline for the south of Scotland region as never before.
David Pike reports
Travelling back in time has become an increasingly popular past time.
We are referring, of course, to the thousands of people who have become descendant detectives, eagerly searching for clues and information to trace their roots and piece together a family tree.
It's a journey made easier thanks to the internet and a growing number of dedicated links that have thrown open the doors to banks of information and historic records; a digital journey where the time machine is your own living room and a double click allows you to skip around the centuries and locations everywhere.
Nothing, however, can beat tracing the threads of forebears first hand, experiencing real location experiences and walking in the footsteps of earlier generations.
The South of Scotland is exceptionally rich in culural heritage and boasts a number of heritage hot-spots that help bring the past to life for visitors to the region who are on a mission.
They include the Heritage Hub in Hawick, the Dumfries and Galloway Heritage Service and, the focus of attention for two recent visits by families from the United States, Westerkirk Parish Library.
Westerkirk near Langholm, thought to be the oldest lending library in Scotland, was a key destination for the Beattie and Graham families where they were able to trawl through local history and parish records dating back over two centuries.
The library, standing amid the rolling hills and valleys of Eskdalemuir, opened in 1793
when the owners of the nearby Louisa antimony (a silvery, semi-metal) mine presented a collection of 23 books to the miners.
In recent times it has become a magnet for family tree researchers nationally and internationally.
And it didn't disappoint the latest guests.
"Jacqueline Little rolled out the red carpet for us. She had researched and bookmarked records in advance of our trip. We only had a few hours, so couldn't possibly have scoured the entire library.
"We were so grateful that she located relevant books and documents for us ahead of time," said Alicia Graham.
Those sentiments were echoed by Ellen Beattie who added: "We were amazed when they offered to open the library on the date most convenient to visit.
"We loved looking through the old maps, books and records. Our time there was the highlight of the family heritage trip."
Family Graham
Alicia Graham became interested in genealogy at 15-years of age when her history teacher offered an extra credit to any student who could tie down their family history.
She and her husband Graham, retired US Air Force engineers live in the Florida panhandle, and are central figures in the Clan Graham Society - Alicia currently edits the Clan Graham newsletter.
The majority of Scots arriving in America in the 1700s did so from the Ulster Plantation and by 1776 approximately one in six men in America was an Ulster Scot. “Tracing the route directly back to Scotland was difficult until the popularity of Y-DNA (study of the male chromosome) opened up new doors.
“When Barry’s results came back we learned he was in an extremely rare group and nearly exclusive to Border Grahams. His cousin Ron, whose home is in Canada also tested and helped pinpoint ancestors who left Westerkirk between 1851 and 1861.
“We were able to leap over the ‘black hole’ in Ireland and investigate the new found family in Scotland. Luckily the Scottish Borders is rich with family stories,” she said.
At Westerkirk she and family members pinned down the year the family emigrated in 1858 and information that took them to family graves. A fascinating and rewarding trip.
Right:
Family Beattie
It was a real family affair for the Beattie family when they decided to travel back to research their roots in the south of Scotland.
The group (left) knew one Scottish ancestor had left for the New World in 1800 and had died after settling in New York State.
Before making the trip back to Scotland they learned as much as they could going through old papers and doing some genealogical research.
“In the course of the trip we learned a great deal more about our Scottish family history, including the birthplaces and marriages of our ancestors going back to the 18th century. We still don’t have a definitive reason why our 6th great grandfather and grandmother, James Beattie and Jan Grieve, decided to go to America but economic hardship is high on the list.
“One surprise was to discover just how many Beattie families there were in the region and it was exciting to think of all the connections we might have,” said Ellen.
The Beattie family thanked Mark Donald of Dumfries Tours for his expertise in pointing them in the right direction to do researches. “He was hugely helpful introducing us to Scotland’s People database and the Dumfries and Galloway Family History Society. He also recommended Westerkirk Parish Library where so much regional history is stored.
“We really enjoyed looking at the founding members of the library, among them we believe the elder brother of our ancestor who emigrated,” she added.
Top with Mark Donalds (far left), Mark and Betty Scalco (Durham, North Carolina) Ellen Beattie (Atlanta, Georgia) Andrew Colucci (Elmira, New York - back row), David and Althea Beattie Boston Massachusetts - back row) Jeanette Colucci (Elmira, New York), Carla La Rotta (Atlanta - back row) Clay and Debi Beattie (Kingston, New York).
(l-r) Phil Graham, Barry Graham, Alicia Graham and Jeanette Graham (sitting).
South of Scotland's signposts to the past
Over recent years genealogical research has become an ever more popular pastime as people pursue their family history.
And throughout the South of Scotland the family tree signposts are prolific.
In the Scottish Borders, Hawick is home to the Heritage Hub (right) that holds a vast historic resource going back over 800 years.
Not surprsingly the Hub is a contact point of choice for those seeking to add detail to their family tree.
It is also a Scotland's People centre for those wanting to search government records and archives.
The team at the Hub, Genealogy Registrar Kathy Hobkirk, Archives Manager Paul Brough and Archives, Museums and Galleries assistant Emily Hart handle enquiries from all over the world.
Their help is available remotely but, increasingly, the Hub is a personal point of contact with a lot of walk-ins. It is a particularly popular stop off for overseas members of the Turnbull Clan.
"We have documents and publications on every aspect of life for the Scottish Borders from local government to textiles, sport, fishing and farming, schools, churches, clubs and societies, charities, and families.
"We can accommodate individual enquiries or make arrangements to welcome groups to the Hub. One way or another we will almost ceetainly be able to provide information for those seeking to delve into their family history in the Borders and Scotland," she said.
And it is a similar story at the Dumfries and Galloway Heritage Service.
The Heritage Service promotes, preserves, and provides access to historical collections and resources including official archives and records of individuals, estates, businesses, and organisations. It offers a wealth of resources to help with family history and genealogy research.
Get in touch
Heritage Hub - Hawick: www.scotlandstartshere.com
Dumfries & Galloway Heritage Service: www.dumgal.gov.uk
The South of Scotland's visitor economy is on the up.
New data presented by the latest independent STEAM* figures showed consistent all round growth in the tourism sector.
It was good news all the way to greet Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes when she visited the Scottish Borders to meet business leaders.
The figures showed the South of Scotland:-
• Grew its visitor economy by 20% last year, increasing by £150m, to £911m
• Created 14% more jobs, with 15,652 people now employed in tourism
• Increased visitor numbers by 26%, to over 5 million.
The data also confirmed that the SSDA hit its 2025 Covid recovery targets of having a £750m visitor economy supporting 14,000 jobs, 2.5 years ahead of target.
In March the SSDA, VisitScotland, South of Scotland Enterprise, Dumfries and Galloway Council and Scottish Borders Council, together with hundreds of businesses and communities, co-authored the all-agency 2024-2034 South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy.
The Strategy has unprecedented ambition for the South of Scotland seeking to increase the annual economic benefit of responsible
tourism in the South of Scotland by £1bn and support a further 6,000 jobs.
The latest STEAM figures show that, in year one of this new strategy, the South of Scotland is already 50% ahead of target and well on course to hitting this £1bn of annual economic growth by 2034.
During a visit to Newtown St Boswells to chair the Convention of the South of Scotland, the Deputy First Minister met with the Chief Executive of the SSDA, David Hope-Jones, as well as other local business owners, to discuss the visitor economy in the South of Scotland.
The SSDA is funded by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) as well as its 660+ business members.
It works to develop the South of Scotland as a world-class visitor destination and support tourism businesses to succeed in a sustainable and responsible way.
Deputy First Minister Forbes said: “Tourism is vitally important to the South of Scotland economy, supporting hundreds of businesses and thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
“With so many attractions, beauty spots and wonderful landscapes attracting both day trippers and overnight stays to the region, the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy is rightfully ambitious."
David Hope-Jones OBE, South of Scotland Destination Alliance CEO, said: “It’s
fantastic to see what, together, the South of Scotland can achieve when we all push in the same direction.
"We have one, clear plan as to how we will support responsible tourism to drive local community and economic benefit. We are investing in that plan and we are now seeing the demonstrable results of this.
“Each £1 that has gone into the SSDA in the last year has resulted in £275 of increased local economic benefit. We are hugely grateful to the Scottish Government and SOSE for their belief and investment in South of Scotland tourism."
Karen Jackson, South of Scotland Enterprise’s Director of Strategy, Partnership and Engagement, said: “These figures are very encouraging and a partnership approach has been key to this progress, typified by the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy that is key to support and develop our rural visitor economy in a sustainable way."
* STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) is an evaluation model using locally derived data from a variety of sources such as hotels, attractions, tourist information centres, events and other accommodation to estimate the number of visitors, revenue generated and employment supported by tourism.
Staying in the South of Scotland
Cairndale Spa makes it a first for Scotland
Scotland’s newest destination Spa has finished ahead of some of the finest luxury hotels in England in the UK industry’s annual awards.
The Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries was named in the top three in the Best New Spa category of the Good Spa Guide Awards, presented at a lavish Christmas-themed afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason’s upmarket store in London’s Piccadilly.
The 86-bedroom hotel’s two-storey Spa opened this Summer at a cost of £2m. Facilities include a thermal pool with jets, water blades and airbeds, Mud Rasul, a herbal steam room, Himalayan salt and infrared saunas, ice bath, Hammam, private bathing suite and six treatment rooms.
Category winner was Mandarin Oriental’s new subterranean wellness retreat in Mayfair, part of the luxury operator’s second five-star London property which opened in June.
Cairndale was joined in the leading trio by the Marquis Hotel’s vaulted Spa in the South Suffolk countryside.
Awards’ organisers said the Best New Spa title was “closely fought with some hot contenders” among the nine finalists.
The Cairndale was the only one from Scotland. All others were from the South or East of England.
“We were told we narrowly missed the top spot,” said Cairndale Director Matthew Wallace Junior (pictured centre with his father, General Manager Matthew Wallace Senior and Spa Manager Claire Primrose).
“However, it was a fabulous achievement to be on the medals’ podium and placed so highly among hotel operators whose budgets dwarfed ours and to be officially crowned as Scotland’s best new Spa," he said.
The selection process was based on the Good Spa Guide's Bubble Rating audit and evaluations by its ‘Spa Spies’ who conducted anonymous reviews of each location.
The Cairndale
Over 1,000 pupils from schools across the Scottish Borders participated in workshops for a special Remembrance Day event.
Organised by the team at Dryburgh Abbey they turned recycled plastic bottles into more than 1,300 poppies, which were then spread out across the Abbey’s wildflower meadow.
The meadow is wintering at this time of year, but the poppies add a bright splash of colour to the landscape and are a stunning display of remembrance.
This is the first time Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has run its Poppy Appeal Project, working with local schools to learn about Anna Guérin, the inventor of the remembrance poppy, and Lady Haig, who ran the first poppy factory in Scotland and is buried at the Abbey.
Lady Haig’s paper poppy factory employed men disabled by war, carrying on the spirit of Guérin’s idea – that the poppy should support veterans and the families of the fallen.
The HES team provided paint and tent pegs; all that the pupils needed to bring was a recyclable plastic bottle from home. The variety of bottles used gives each poppy a unique shape and size.
Michael Kay, District Visitor Community Manager for the South Region at HES, said: “Our first trial of the Poppy Appeal Project has been incredibly successful, and we’re definitely looking to do it again.
"It’s been wonderful getting to work so closely with the communities and to show them that Dryburgh Abbey is relevant in many different ways.
“I am very grateful that my team here at Dryburgh and so many fantastic teachers and pupils across the Borders have really embraced this project.
"Getting to speak to so many schools about Earl and Lady Haig, and the incredible story of the remembrance poppy, has been a privilege.”
Top: Robyn Thin, a Steward for Dryburgh Abbey at Historic Environment Scotland, places the last of poppies to complete the remembrance display.
Steps back in time
Digging into the dark side of local history
As double acts go William Burke and William Hare's reputation has certainly stood the test of time - if for all the wrong reasons.
Their names instantly come to mind when the dark trade of body snatching is ever mentioned...though it could be argued that their modus operandi gave others in the same field a bad name!
Demand for bodies for medical research in the 18th and 19th centuries had given rise to a supply chain run by people who became known as Resurrectionists; digging up the recently buried and delivering the bodies to medical centres.
Buke and Hare introduced their own murderously modified version - luring victims to their Edinburgh lodging house and killing them to satisfy demand at a school of anatomy in the city.
The reach of the Resurrectionists was extensive and communities and families were persuaded to hit back in various ways.
At Eckford Kirk, standing midway between Jedburgh and Kelso in the Scottish Borders, parishioners took their stand against Resurrectionists by building the watch tower (right) that became known locally as the 'ghoul tower.'
Here, after a burial had taken place, relatives of the deceased would take up residence in the tower until they deemed it safe for the recently departed.
How long they stayed we don't know, but there was sleeping space and a log fire inside as well as the use of a flintlock musket that was kept at the kirk (now in private ownership and musket free).
Eckford Kirk can trace its roots back to the beginnings of Christianity in the region and became a chapel with links to Jedburgh Abbey.
The present building is thought to date back to 1665 and an interesting relic from those early times is the 'jougs' or iron collar that hangs menacingly on the outside wall of the kirk. It was used as a punishment for those who strayed from the straight and narrow.
Plans unveiled for luxury holiday park for the Borders
An exciting new holiday lodge park is being proposed at Earlsheugh, near Jedburgh.
The 40 luxury lodge development will take an inspirational lead from the exceptional natural surroundings on the banks of the Jed Water.
The £5m investment is predicted to generate £1.25m annually for the local economy and will create up to 18 new jobs.
It has been put forward by land development company CampbellMac Developments Ltd.
"Our ethos is to connect with the natural and historic assets the site has to offer, given its location close to the Jed Water and the site of a former Old Jedward medieval settlement.
"We want the development to become a unique holiday destination for visitors to the Scottish Borders as well as an integral and important part of the local community," said a company spokesman.
"The development will connect with the natural environment and take advantage of the sustainable links to footpaths and cycle routes that connect with the site.
"A separate planning application is currently being prepared for the restoration and conversion of the redundant Victorian stone barns that act as a gateway to the site.
"The barns will provide high quality holiday accommodation whilst retaining the charm and character of the original buildings," he added.
CampbellMac Developments Ltd is keen to have local feedback on the proposals from local residents, businesses and other tourism providers in advance of the application being submitted to Borders Council.
Anyone wishing to find out more can contact Lyn or Damien on 07860 102224 or email siteplanco@gmail.com
Trips and trails
Trailing exciting new developments along the riverbanks
A major new development to create dedicated walking and cycling routes along the banks of the River Tweed has been given a £10m boost from the Scottish Government.
The funding was confirmed by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes on a working visit to the Scottish Borders.
It will be used to establish a 113-mile long trail from Moffat, near the source of the river, to Berwick-on-Tweed, where it flows into the North Sea.
The River Tweed is designated a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest and offers stunning natural backdrops along its route.
The River Tweed Trail is part of a programme that is made up of 13 projects celebrating the Tweed's appeal and supported by Sustrans, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Borders Council in partnership with Tweed Forum and Northumberland County Council.
Work has been started along the course of the river to upgrade bridges and pathways.
Deputy First Minister Forbes said: "Tourism is already a vitally important sector to the South of Scotland. I am pleased to confirm Scottish Government funding of £10m to help deliver Destination Tweed.
"This is an ambitious programme which will not only protect and enhance the region's treasured natural assets but, in the River Tweed Trail, create infrastructure that will capitalise on these assets, helping further growm, develop and showcase what the region has to offer."
It is estimated the that Destination Tweed programme could attract over 250,000 visitors a year, support jobs and provide new opportunities for the business sector.
Destination Tweed Director, Luke Fisher, said: "The River Tweed is one of the UK's most inspirational river corridors, famed across the world for its salmon fishing, great houses and castles, literary connections and wonderful natural environment.
"We want to use these assets to harness tourism potential and support the economy across the south of Scotland and north Northumberland," he said
Looking ahead in Galloway
National Park consultations are now underway
by Matthew Shelley
Let’s look to a brighter future - that’s the message from campaigners as they look forward to the start of the Galloway National Park consultation this week.
A National Park would bring together communities, businesses, nature charities and many others to build a brighter common future for Galloway and areas of south and east Ayrshire that are beautiful but have suffered major decline.
The NatureScot consultation into the proposed Galloway National Park, which could bring many millions of pounds a year of Scottish Government funding to the region, is now underway.
Sandra McDowall, Vice Chair of the Galloway National Park Association (GNPA), said: “This is a chance for all of us to build a brighter future - to achieve something amazing for our region.
“A Galloway National Park would attract large amounts of direct funding and inward investment for our environment, our economy and – of huge importance – would help us create a better future for our children.
“We want to see as many people as possible getting involved with the public consultation as this is their chance not just to win National Park status, but to shape the park and how it is run to suit the needs of the region.
“With so much doom and gloom in the world at the moment it’s brilliant to have something so positive available to us – especially as it means more of the money paid by local taxpayers is invested back in our area.”
The idea for a Galloway National Park dates back to a Dumfries and Galloway Council report in 2016, after which local people came together to form the GNPA, which has been campaigning ever since.
“It’s an idea born and bred in Galloway, by Galloway residents. And now we want to see a Park developed that is shaped by the people and the needs of our region,” she added.
As part of the consultation process 16 meetings have already been announced in towns and villages across the region that will allow people to take part.
For more details see https:// newnationalparkgalloway.commonplace.is
A National Park made in Galloway for Galloway will ...
Work with our COMMUNITIES to:
• Give them a strong voice in their future through the National Park Board and Partnership Plan.
• Improve the availability of affordable housing and digital connectivity
• Support key local services and community initiatives.
• Improve access to the outdoors for all with associated health and well-being benefits.
Work for NATURE and CLIMATE CHANGE to:
• Ensure that Galloway’s special landscapes and wildlife are safeguarded.
• Enhance the biodiversity and resilience of our forests, peatlands and saltmarshes.
• Create space for species to move as the climate changes.
• Work in partnership to contribute to Net Zero.
Work to improve the ECONOMY to:
• Make Galloway a better place in which to live, work and attract people from outside the area.
• Increase prosperity across a range of sectors and bring new permanent jobs and investment to the area.
• Broaden Galloway’s economic base, building on our environment and primary industries.
• Offer our youngsters more chance to build lives where they grew up.
Leading conservation charity backs National Park
The John Muir Trust - a leading voice for the UK's wild places – has lent its voice to calls for a new National Park in Galloway, South and East Ayrshire.
The organisation, which is dedicated to the conservation, protection and restoration of the UK's wild places, looks after Ben Nevis and other precious landscapes.
Thomas Widrow, Head of Campaigns for JMT(below), said: "As the nation's charity for wild places, we stand by communities who fight to protect and celebrate the wild places they love.
“We must protect and restore natural processes to tackle the joint nature and climate crises. Designating a new National Park will help Scotland do exactly that.
“In Galloway, the community-led campaign to establish a new National Park has demonstrated incredible resilience over a sustained period of time.
“We hope the Scottish Government will nominate Galloway as the nation's next National Park. Doing so would demonstrate to the UK and the rest of the world that Scotland is serious about addressing the nature and climate crisis."
Founded in 1983 the organisation is named after the Scot, John Muir who is known as “the father of National Parks” after coming up with the idea and working for their establishment in the USA. It works to further his aims as a conservationist and an ardent believer in the value of wild places. JMT is also committed to climate justice and a sustainable future where humans and nature operate together.
Mr Widrow added: "The John Muir Trust believes wild places should benefit from a just transition that ensures communities are supported to live and work in these beautiful landscapes, in harmony with nature.
“The GNPA's vision for a National Park aligns with the principles of a just transition in wild places - giving nature the freedom to thrive, with communities and stewards of the land at the heart of that nature restoration effort.
“We are excited to see the process to nominate the next National Park progress further!"
The announcement by JMT follows last week’s call by Ramblers Scotland to make their voices heard in favour of the National Park proposal. For more about the John Muir Trust see https://www.johnmuirtrust.org
Borders Buses have Christmas all wrapped up!
As the festive season approaches, Borders Buses has announced its festive timetable and a Black Friday deal to make winter travels easier and cheaper.
From 23 December to 05 January, Borders Buses will be running with a slightly adjusted schedule with no services operating on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, as well as 01 and 02 January 2025. This timetable adjustment allows Borders Buses’ team to enjoy a well-deserved break.
Customers are encouraged to pick up festive timetables, which will be available on the buses, and download the Borders Buses app. The app offers discounted tickets, real-time bus tracking, journey planning, and service updates, ensuring customers stay informed and can plan their day and nights out.”
Conservation project looking to reach new heights
The pioneering South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project was unveiled at The National Portrait Gallery in London as one of 30 Game Changing Moments across the UK in an exhibition celebrating the National Lottery’s 30th birthday.
The project’s success in restoring a previously low population of golden eagles to record numbers is reflected in the exhibit by renowned photographer and social media influencer Thomas Duke.
Speaking at the unveiling, Dr Cat Barlow, Project Manager of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project said: “It is a huge privilege to see the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project feature alongside such a prestigious list of Game Changing Moments at the National Lottery’s 30th birthday exhibition.
“There has been incredible excitement at our Project’s unprecedented success to date, with record numbers of golden eagles thriving across southern skies, and communities across the region benefitting environmentally, socially and culturally.
"We are so grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland and National Lottery players for making all of this possible.
"All that we have achieved is absolutely testament to the generosity of our funders, and the support we have received from so many people, including ecologists, conservation charities, raptor experts, vets, landowners and land managers, as well as fifteen thousand community volunteers and project participants.
“We are now relaunching as a new charity Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) to keep this momentum going and explore opportunities to reintroduce golden eagles into England and Wales.
"We would be delighted to talk to any funding partners who would like to be part of our continued success,” said Cat.
