A TRANSFORMATIONAL project continues to move forward at apace as the latest planning bid for a new pathway is put on the agenda.

Destination Tweed will revitalise the River Tweed into a tourist destination of national and international significance as one of the UK’s great long-distance walking and cycling routes through the creation of the River Tweed Trail.

The aim of the project is that by its tenth year there will be an additional 267,700 visitors per annum spending almost £28m.

It is hoped that the project will also support almost 400 jobs.

Works started late last month on upgrading the path section between the Gytes and Priorsford Bridge in Peebles.

This will see the path being widened up to 4.5m and segregated for bikes and pedestrians.

Now a planning application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council for the formation of 2m wide unbound stone path as part of the wider Tweed Trail on land at Bog Hill, west Of Tweedshaws Farmhouse in Tweedsmuir.

A report with the application states: “As part of the implementation of the River Tweed Trail there will be an improvement to existing designated paths that form 70 per cent of the route, existing infrastructure which accounts for a further 20 per cent and the creation of new stretches of connecting paths to form the remaining 10 per cent of the route.

“We will be installing access improvements, fencing, gates, signage for wayfinding and information, interpretation, rest points and brand development work to promote the River Tweed Trail as a tangible asset.”

At approximately 113 miles, the River Tweed Trail will be one of the UK’s newest source-to-sea walking and cycling routes, showcasing the exceptional natural, built and cultural heritage from Moffat, past the source of the river, to Berwick-upon-Tweed where the river meets the sea.