A HIGH-PROFILE mountain biking figure has been appointed to lead an ambitious tourism project in Peeblesshire.

Emma Guy has been selected to be at the forefront of the Business Improvement District (BID) programme which aims to turn the Tweed Valley into a world-class cycling destination.

A former professional downhill rider, coach and joint owner of the Hub in The Forest cafe, which operated at Glentress for a decade, Emma has a strong knowledge of the area.

She has been appointed to the post of project co-ordinator on an 18-month contract and she will now begin discussions with businesses in the area to help shape a comprehensive business plan.

Once the plan is finalised, the proposal will be put to a vote for all the local companies who may wish to become part of the project, with a ballot scheduled for autumn 2019.

And if approved, the scheme will enable Scottish Borders Council to collect a compulsory levy from all the businesses involved, with the cash invested to deliver the agreed plan.

Emma said: “I’m really excited to be given this opportunity.

“As all those who know me are aware, I’m deeply passionate about the Tweed Valley and its potential to become a genuinely world-class activity destination.

“Cycling and mountain biking are certainly the catalysts that will bring more visitors here in the future.

“I strongly believe that a tourism BID is the best way to take what’s already on offer in the Tweed Valley to the next level – for the benefit of tourism businesses and visitors alike.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

Emma will be assisted by the Tourism BID steering committee, which consists of local businesses and the area’s large hotels, as well as representatives from SBC and people who have carried out similar projects in the past.

“The crucial first phase of the project is very much about listening to tourism businesses to understand where we are today and what their ambitions are for the future development of the Tweed Valley as a tourism destination,” added Emma.

“Only once we’ve spoken with as many businesses as possible will we begin to formulate our business plan.”

Tweed Valley-based tourism businesses are being invited to attend the official launch of the BID at the Eastgate Theatre, Peebles at 11am on April 25.

The launch will include a short presentation by Graeme Ambrose, chief executive of Visit Inverness Loch Ness, which became the first tourism BID in Scotland four years ago.

The launch will be followed by the AGM of the Tweed Valley Tourist Consortium.

Catherine Maxwell Stuart, chairwoman of the BID steering committee, added: “We had an incredibly strong list of candidates for the position, each with a good range of skills, but we felt that Emma was the ideal person to enthuse and inspire tourism businesses to explore the benefits of the BID.”