A CAMPAIGN to encourage more people to visit the Borders this autumn is well underway and set to increase interest in the region.

Highlighting the wealth of outdoor activities, history and heritage, arts and culture, food and drink, and events across the region, ‘Brilliant Moments’ is a partnership between VisitScotland and Scottish Borders Council. The promotion includes a range of national print advertising, digital media and social media, as well as an A5, full-colour direct mail leaflet targeting the UK market. This highlights some of the rich and diverse range of attractions the Borders offers, from its breathtaking scenery and fascinating heritage to its flourishing cultural and events scene.

The Borders has played host to many successful and diverse events during this year of Homecoming Scotland 2014 and the autumn campaign highlights the fact that throughout the coming months, many more are still to come, such as the Halloween Experience Historic Ghost Tours at Traquair House October 24 to November 1, Kelso Races (November 7-29), the Christmas opening at Traquair (November 29-30) and the Snowdrop Festival (February 1-March 15).

The dedicated direct mailer sent to 25,000 households encourages people to explore the wealth of outstanding attractions in the region and to uncover the region’s enthralling history by visiting the stunning Borders Abbeys at Dryburgh, Jedburgh, Melrose and Kelso – the scenes of so many pivotal historic events in Scottish history.

Visitors are also encouraged to trace their ancestry at the state-of-the-art Heart of Hawick Heritage Hub which offers a treasure trove of archival material stretching back over 750 years documenting the lives, industries and history of the people of the Borders.

The collections comprise a wealth of data ranging from records of births, marriages and deaths to business and land ownership from the 16th century. Whether you want to trace your family tree or find out where your ancestors worked, the Hub has everything you need to investigate your genealogical heritage.

Another regional attraction highlighted in the autumn campaign is Born in The Borders, the new visitor centre between Jedburgh and Denholm next to the Scottish Borders Brewery, where hand-crafted ales are made using home-grown barley harvested from fields by the River Teviot. With two shops, a great cafe and restaurant, riverside walks, picnic spots and brewery tours, the new facility bring brings together the best of everything this is grown, made, spun, produced, cooked and created in the region.

Paula McDonald, Regional Director of VisitScotland, said: “There has been a real buzz about Scotland throughout this year of Homecoming 2014 and tourism businesses here in The Scottish Borders have been doing a fantastic job in welcoming visitors attracted to the region as a result of the incredible events of this summer including the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup. We want to capitalise on the increased interest in Scotland which has built up and ensure that as many people as possible know about all the attractions on offer throughout The Scottish Borders and are encouraged to visit.” Bryan McGrath, Chief Officer, Economic Development at Scottish Borders Council, added: “The Scottish Borders is a fantastic location to visit at any time of the year, but our wonderful landscape and countryside is particularly spectacular as autumn colours appear.

“There is a warm welcome awaiting visitors, whether they are taking advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer, or following a more relaxed route, taking in our culture and heritage. Whichever they choose, our tourism businesses aim to make it a memorable experience, encouraging our visitors to come back for more and to sample different parts of our area.”