CYCLING and walking in the Scottish Borders is about to get even more enjoyable thanks to a recent funding boost of over £55,000 from Sustrans Scotland. Scottish Borders council successfully led three bids to the charity for 'Community Links’ funding. The projects all aim to make it easier, safer and more enjoyable to walk and cycle for everyday journeys in the area.

In particular, the village of Clovenfords is set to benefit from a new path for walkers and cyclists to use and enjoy. The project will see an existing cycling and walking path extended into the centre of Clovenfords and it will also provide a direct link to Galashiels Railway Station. When completed, it will link up with National Cycle Network and the Tweed Cycleway. In addition to the project in Clovenfords, Sustrans Scotland will also be injecting Community Links funding into two other projects in the Borders. The final section of the Peebles to Innerleithen route will be surfaced and money will be directed to explore, design and develop cycle friendly links to the new Kelso High School and help develop the town as a cycling hub. Tom Bishop, Sustrans’ Community Links Coordinator, said: “We are committed to ensuring that individuals and communities are better connected by safe and accessible walking and cycling facilities. The project in Clovenfords will provide both those who live in and visit the area with excellent facilities to travel actively. Sustrans is especially pleased that the new path will link to the Railway Station in Galashiels.”