Copshaw in spotlight as campaign launches

Scotland Starts Here will raise profile to attract more tourists

A NEW tourism drive for the Scottish Borders and Midlothian has been launched.
Scotland Starts Here is raising the profile of the Scottish Borders and Midlothian as a year-round destination.
It was conceived by the
Midlothian & Borders Tourism Action Group (MBTAG) for the Scottish Borders Tourism
Partnership and Midlothian Tourism Forum.
A website Scotland Starts Here is supported by a digital marketing campaign, including
mobile app, podcasts, eBooks, videos, blogs and social media advertising to encourage more visitors to explore the area.
Newcastleton is featured in several of the categories, not least as a place to visit and stay in in its own right but also for its mountain biking and road cycling attractions.
The campaign focuses on four key themes of hidden wonders, active and outdoors, food and drink and history and heritage.
By spotlighting authentic
experiences and award-winning products and businesses, it will increase potential visitors’ awareness of what the area offers for short breaks and holidays.
MBTAG has engaged more than 800 businesses in workshops, training and product
development to make them more tourism ready.
Jemma Reid, MBTAG project manager, said: “Scotland Starts Here is an exciting campaign which will promote the wealth of fantastic experiences on offer in the Scottish Borders and
Midlothian and bring to life the stories and people who make the area unique.
“I would encourage the industry to get involved and spread the word about the fantastic area in which they live and work to visitors at home and abroad.”
The website reveals that
Newcastleton, or Copshaw Holm, was built in 1793 by the Duke of Buccleuch to capitalise on the growing textile markets and is one of Scotland’s few planned villages.
Copshaw is at the heart of Reiving Country where battles were fought over land and goods and Scottish clans thrived.
Descendants of famous clans, Armstrong, Elliot, Nixon,
Robson and others still live there. You can explore this bloody side of their history at the Liddesdale Heritage
Centre.
Panoramic
Apart from clans and textiles, Newcastleton has a famous
recent past; it protested en-masse on January 5, 1969 to stop the last train reaching London on the Waverley Line.
The Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival, the oldest music festival in Scotland, is held on the first weekend in July, along with the maverick and bizarre Copshaw Common Riding.
Newcastleton is surrounded by sweeping panoramic views with everything you need to have a great time.
Pubs and cafes are open all year round, there is a range of accommodation to suit all pockets and you can refill your tank at the community fuel pumps as well as recharge your car.
If you can stay longer, explore the stunning scenery, there are 12 waymarked walks all starting and ending in Douglas Square or try the challenging golf course with its stunning vistas.
Newcastleton is included in the Beautiful South driving route of 56 miles taking in the breathtaking landscape.
At Hermitage Castle visitors can discover a history filled with intrigue, murder, torture and treason.
The village is also on the Southern Borders Loop 1 of 49 miles for cyclists. This shorter route is moderate and can easily be completed in a day.
The Southern Borders Loop 2 is the larger circuit and is hard, suitable for more experienced cyclists, with five significant climbs over 300m.
This tour is 74 miles and could be broken with an overnight stay in Newcastleton, Hawick or Langholm.
A number of cycle routes for an enjoyable afternoon with the family is available at the 7stanes which also boasts world-class tracks for mountain bikers.