Sustrans has welcomed the opening of a new off-road, shared-use path between Peebles and Eddleston in the Scottish Borders.

Spanning 6km in length, the Eddleston Water Path provides a convenient and accessible route for local people and visitors to walk, wheel and cycle between the areas.

The path is connecting communities, businesses and key services like never before.

The new path will also benefit equestrians in the area, providing a safe and more relaxed riding experience set back from the road.

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).

Construction work started on the project in late 2021 and was completed in early June 2023.

From the very beginning, the Eddleston Water Path project was shaped by the ambitions of the local community.

Local groups and campaigners were instrumental in calling for improved active travel infrastructure in the area, having spent years promoting their vision for a healthier and more sustainable future.

Peebles Community Trust led the design of the project once funding was secured, and feedback was gathered at every stage to ensure the Eddleston Water Path reflected the needs and wants of residents.

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This approach has resulted in the creation of a well-loved community asset which has provided affordable access to employment opportunities, key services and treasured greenspace.

Now complete, the project provides an alternative route where all residents and visitors to the area, regardless of age or ability, have the option to leave the car at home and walk, wheel or cycle instead.

To futureproof the project, flood mitigation and measures to increase biodiversity were built into the designs.

The path has also contributed to the areas extensive network of paths for leisure and riding, linking into a wider network that includes the existing Tweed Valley Railway Path to the south.

The Eddleston Water Path was officially opened on 17 June 2023 at an event attended by local residents, project partners and elected representatives.

Following a series of speeches, a piped procession was laid on for those in attendance before the ribbon was cut by local primary school student Conor.

Speaking ahead of the event, Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads and Maintenance, said: "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 Councils and Trusts from both Peebles and Eddleston for their support and tireless efforts.

Director at Sustrans Scotland, Karen McGregor, added: "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."

Professor Russel Griggs, SOSE Chair, said: "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."