A CROSS-BOUNDARY body has been set up to develop the tourism industry in both Midlothian and the Scottish Borders over the next two years.

And they have a £350,000 plan to bring even more visitors in the regions.

The Midlothian and Borders Tourism Action Group, which is chaired by Abbotsford's Giles Ingram, is looking to capitalise on the initial boost delivered by the Borders Railway.

The new steering group is made up of private sector tourism leaders from across both regions.

Following secured funding of £150,000 from the Borders Railway Blueprint Group and a further £200,000 from Scottish Enterprise’s Tourism Destination Development Fund, the group wants to engage with both the wider tourism sector outside of the Borders Railway corridor and also businesses along the line.

Mr Ingram told us: “The launch of the new action group is very positive news for both existing businesses in the Scottish Borders and Midlothian, and potential tourism enterprises.

"Through close collaboration with the business communities outside of the railway corridor, we hope to further increase their offering to the growing tourist population that the areas now command.”

With an annual tourism value of £314m currently in Midlothian and the Scottish Borders, the action group will look to significantly grow the figure by 2020.

The plan of action includes a series of business engagement events, business innovation workshops, product knowledge sessions, international market development and a travel trade tourism development programme.

David Parker, leader of Scottish Borders Council, is backing the initiative. He told us: “With an increase in the numbers of businesses and visitors to both areas thanks to the Borders Railway, it makes sense to capitalise on this early success and cement the economic benefit right along the new line.

"Through this new two year funding package we are looking forward to nurturing and developing businesses to deliver authentic experiences to tourists visiting Midlothian and the Scottish Borders."

The group will also encourage businesses to develop products and services linked to digital technology, and create new visitor experiences which can be enjoyed and explored using the Borders Railway.

Midlothian Council's Jim Bryant said: “The project will help businesses focus on their key markets and ensure they work collaboratively to deliver new experiences and products.

"This additional funding will help all of us to enhance the quality of the visitor experience and generate increased spend to both areas.”

During the official launch at Thirlestane Castle several tourism businesses, including Innerleithen-based Ridelines, Kelso's FishPal, and the Edinburgh Butterfly were in attendance.

Edward Maitland-Carew, who is a family trustee at Thirlestane Castle, added: “We are delighted to host the launch event at Thirlestane.

"With the castle back to its former glory after major restoration work, we are excited to be part of this new initiative to promote the Borders and Midlothian, and to welcome many more events and visitors to the area."