TOURIST Information Centres across the Borders are under threat.

A nationwide review of is being currently carried out by VisitScotland.

And downward trends in both footfall and bookings at the five TICS in the Borders - Jedburgh, Hawick, Melrose, Kelso and Peebles - has put their long-term futures at risk.

Jedburgh remains the region's busiest with 30,558 visitors during 2014/15 and 162 bookings being made over the counter.

Peebles welcomed 26,193 visitors during last year.

But the number of bookings made over the counter dropped dramatically from 141 in 2013-14 to just 35.

The region-wide picture is similar with combined footfall across the five centres dropping from 121,659 five years ago to a present-day 95,584.

And bookings being made in the centres are down from 738 to 311 in the same period.

Paula McDonald, VisitScotland’s regional director for the Scottish Borders, told the Border Telegraph: “The way that visitors access information about Scotland has changed dramatically with many moving away from the traditional channels in favour of online and mobile.

“VisitScotland needs to ensure that we respond quickly to those changes.

“In looking at the future of information provision, we are reviewing the ways in which we provide information across all our channels in line with customer demands and trends.

“We will continue working closely with Scottish Borders Council to provide high-quality information and inspiration to more visitors than ever before through the channels that they use the most, connecting them with businesses, and creating growth and jobs across Scotland.”

Melrose TIC, which is based next to the Abbey, only welcomed 8,117 visitors during 2014/15 - almost half of the 15,312 from the previous year.

Both Hawick and Kelso bucked the trend by slightly increasing both its footfall and bookings from the previous year.

But the future of all five will be discussed in the coming months when bosses from Visit Scotland meet with members of Scottish Borders Council's Executive committee.

A local authority spokesperson told us: “While there are likely to be changes made to the delivery of visitor information in the Scottish Borders as part of the current national review by VisitScotland, they are committed to providing high-quality information to more visitors than ever before to help improve the visitor’s experience and ensure that more is spent in the local economy.”

Scottish Borders Council hands over £108,000 to VisitScotland each year towards the running of the five centres and marketing of the area.

It is estimated that tourism contributes £187 million to the region and supports around 5,000 jobs.