A PROJECT to make a Borders town the “go-to destination for outdoor activities” has attracted thousands of online users.

The Town of 1000 Trails initiative is intended to create an online hub centered around trails of “outstanding beauty and fantastic cultural heritage” in Hawick.

In the pipeline since 2017, the project was started last month and provides a platform consisting of different walking, cycling, running and horse-riding routes in the area.

Founding member Rory Bannerman, a senior partner of law firm Bannerman Burke, said: “It is just wonderful to know that our special town and countryside will, at last, get the exposure that she deserves after three long years of preparation.”

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All trails can be downloaded or printed off, with a trail uploader function meaning people can upload their own routes.

The overriding aim, the group says, is to give the user everything they need to plan a trip to Hawick, with a business directory providing options on where to stay, eat, drink, shop and visit while in the area, and the event calendar keeping users up to date with what’s on during their visit.

Following a tough year for businesses across the country, Mr Bannerman is confident that the project will provide a welcome boost to the local economy and morale.

“I have no doubt that Hawick and the outlying villages will benefit enormously from the inevitable increased interest that the Town of 1000 Trails hub will attract,” he said.

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“Now is the very time that people want to use the wide, beautiful, outdoors and we have the best places for that to be enjoyed.

“We want to make Hawick and the surrounding area the ‘go-to’ destination for walking, running, cycling and horse riding for all ages and abilities and to become a destination for tourists to enjoy heritage related attractions on foot, on bicycles or on horseback.”

Local businesses also have the opportunity to get involved by advertising their services on the platform for users to see.

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“We are aiming to bring local businesses on board and to encourage new ventures to grow up around our vision for attracting ever increasing visitors to the TD9 goldfield.”

He added: “We want you to be at the heart of this project by uploading your own trails, images and reviews.

“We can showcase what is on offer here and give those visiting our beautiful area everything they need to plan a trip, but only you can share the experience.”

Those interested in Town of 1000 Trails can find the platform here.