Tour O The Borders played ‘vital role’ in bringing visitors

The return of an annual biking event contributed more than £750,000 to the Borders economy, according to an independent assessment.

The Tour O The Borders started in 2014 but was cancelled last year amid concerns about road closures.

It returned in September this year – starting and finishing in Peebles – and more than 2,000 people took part.

Scott Hamilton, executive member for economic growth on Scottish Borders Council, said events like the tour played a “vital role” in bringing visitors to the area and boosting the economy.

“All our region’s events help to showcase the south of Scotland, assisting us to generate long-lasting and wider benefits beyond any event itself,” he said.

“They also help the Borders to encourage participants and visitors to come back and further explore more of our area.

“The council is committed to working with event organisers to achieve these goals and to also ensure that the Borders benefits as much as possible from the fantastic array of events that take place here.”

He added that the council recognised that such events did cause “some disruption” but stressed that event organisers were encouraged to “work hard to find ways to collaborate positively” with the community.