BORDERS MSP John Lamont has called on the Scottish Government to do more to promote the region as a tourist destination.

In August 2013, the Government, and local councils, launched the Borderlands initiative in an attempt to attract more holidaymakers, but Mr Lamont says more has to be done.

He raised the issue to Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Fiona Hyslop at Holyrood on Wednesday and got a positive response.

He told the Border Telegraph: "The Scottish Borders is a fantastic place to visit and there is huge potential to promote it and the wider region in a better way.

"The Borderlands Initiative had cross party and cross border support and it seems a shame that this work seems to have stalled recently. 

"The Scotland Office are keen to get this initiative moving and I’m glad the Cabinet Secretary has also agreed to do more to promote cross-border cooperation on tourism," he added.

"We are blessed to have some of the most stunning countryside that Scotland has to offer. In addition to our historical buildings, beautiful towns and great local produce our region is one of the most attractive to visit in the whole of the UK.

"I’m pleased both the Scottish and UK Governments share my desire to do more to promote the Borderlands. 

"Tourism is an incredibly important industry in the Borders, providing a huge boost to our local economy. I think we could be getting a bigger slice of the £5bn spent each year by tourists in Scotland which is why I support promoting the Borderlands as a destination."