Information point to boost visitors to Newcastleton

A new information point located in the heart of Newcastleton aims to encourage more mountain bikers to make use of local services. Over 6,000 bikers currently ride the trails at Newcastleton each year but usually bypass the village, going direct to the start of the trails which are two miles away at Dykecroft. The new information point aims to draw mountain bikers into the village to start and finish their ride and take advantage of local hospitality. Designed and produced by the 7stanes mountain bike project, the new information point is part of a longer term development plan for the area which wants to sell the message of being 'The Bike Friendly Village'. Launching the new information point, located in Douglas Square, Jackie Davidson, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling said: "Newcastleton is a vibrant village and it's great the benefit 7Stanes, mountain biking and cycling in general has brought to the area. I hope cyclists will take time to experience the hospitality and facilities my home town has to offer." In addition to 7stanes trail information, the point also includes details on local services, places to eat, accommodation and bike wash facilities. Colin Williamson, 7stanes project manager added: "We've been working hard to attract more mountain bikers to Newcastleton's trails but we are also keen that this works well to support local businesses and the community. The village already has a good reputation for being a welcoming destination and we want to build on that." The development plan to promote Newcastleton as a prime place for cycling has included additional brown tourism signs, promotional banners for events, website information, cross Border waymarking with Kielder, new bike wash facilities in the town and a new biking map is about to be started.