Scottish Borders Council has announced the successful completion of a new active travel path connecting Peebles and Eddleston.

The Eddleston Water Path has been constructed to make the Peebles and Eddleston areas more appealing for walkers, cyclists, wheelers and horse riders and forms part of a campaign to encourage more active travel in the region.

The completed section of path runs from the edge of Eddleston village to Peebles and offers a 6km route running through fields and alongside the Eddleston Water.

The project was made possible by over £2 million of funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland's Places for Everyone programme and South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).

The Council developed the project in partnership Peebles Community Trust, Sustrans, South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), Peebles Community Council and Eddleston Community Council.

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Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads & Maintenance: "I am absolutely delighted that the new Eddleston Water Path has been completed and that members of the public are now making use of the route.

"This project has been a true collaborative effort, with thanks to the Scottish Government and SOSE for their financial support in helping make this project a reality and also to the Community Council's and Trust's from both Peebles and Eddleston for their support and tireless efforts.

"A dedicated path will ensure the safety of residents and visitors to the area whilst also encouraging others to choose more active methods of travel between the two settlements."

Director at Sustrans Scotland, Karen McGregor:

"We're very pleased the Eddleston Water Path is now open to the public.

"This new route creates a vital traffic-free space for walking, wheeling and cycling between Peebles and Eddleston, enabling residents and visitors to the area to travel actively while accessing key services and local greenspace.

"We hope the new path makes it safer and easier for lots more people to leave the car at home for short everyday journeys."

SOSE Chair, Professor Russel Griggs, added: "SOSE is committed through all we do to supporting a Wellbeing Economy and all the positive things that it brings for communities.

"The new Eddleston Water Path is a fantastic example of this approach, encouraging local people and visitors to get active and help address issues such as fuel poverty and community isolation and improve resident's health and wellbeing."

An official opening event will be held on Saturday 17th June 2023, with a ribbon cutting to be held at the Station Road end of the path in Eddleston Village at 11.15am which all are welcome to attend.