A FORMER financial services worker with a passion for the Borders has given up the rat race and reinvented himself as a tour guide.

Last year Stewart Wilson started his journey to a new life with his online creation Tweed Valley Blogger to “share his local insights to a wider audience”.

Mr Wilson has held a lifelong and passionate belief that the south of Scotland is a gem waiting to be uncovered by more visitors and earlier this year his initial blog evolved into a full-time role to increase visitor traffic.

He said: “I am on a mission to ensure that visitors experience the best of Borders, making it as an unmissable part of any trip to Scotland.

“I have long felt that the Borders sells itself short when it comes to attracting visitors.

“We have so much to offer, such beauty and character, and I aim to give visitors a real local insight and an unforgettable experience on tour.

“Growing up we did not go to Spain or Portugal on holidays, we went to places here, we learned about where we live and what was on our doorstep, and I never stopped being curious.”

He added: “It was a big step giving up a successful career in Edinburgh, it certainly shocked my peers – and myself!

“However, I feel I have been preparing for a role like this all my life.

“One day I decided I did not want to sit behind a desk anymore, I didn’t want to file papers, I wanted to live.

“I didn’t want to sit back and think: ‘What if?’”

More details about Stewart, his story and his tours can be found on his website at Tweed Valley Blogger or his YouTube video showcasing the care and passion he brings to each tour at Tweed Valley Blogger – YouTube.