Author: Sara Barton

Wigtown Welcomes Lee Randall as Guest Programmer for 25th Festival

Lee Randall, a well-known figure in Scottish literature and media, has been appointed as Guest Programmer for the 25th Wigtown Book Festival. The festival takes place from 22 September to 1 October and brings together leading authors, poets, journalists, scientists, politicians, singers and a multitude of others for hundreds of events in and around Scotland’s…
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South of Scotland Visitor Economy Week launches

South of Scotland Visitor Economy Week in March will highlight rewarding careers in tourism and hospitality across the region A range of organisations and further and higher education centres in the South of Scotland have teamed up to launch a new South of Scotland Visitor Economy Week in March. The dedicated information and awareness week,…
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21st Spring Fling Will See 100 Studios Open Their Doors To The Public

One hundred studios across Dumfries and Galloway will be throwing open their doors for the 21st Spring Fling. Scotland’s leading open studios weekend, which is from 27 to 29 May, is a superb opportunity to meet wonderfully creative people who live and work in one of Scotland’s most beautiful rural regions. All have been specially…
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The Diggers retreat leaving nature to takes centre stage on Threave Nature Reserve

Threave Nature Reserve, near Castle Douglas, is hosting the ambitious and innovative 100-year long Threave Landscape Restoration project. Over the past 18 months, a complete change in management approach on the site has taken place, with the reconnection to natural processes and systems to create a self-balancing and self-sustaining mosaic of habitats that can be…
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Great Tapestry of Scotland and Burns Trail publicity shot

Weave Your Way Through History With Two Fascinating Driving Trails Through The South Of Scotland

The South of Scotland Destination Alliance has created bespoke themed routes following in the footsteps of Robert Burns and inspired by the Great Tapestry of Scotland Two new driving trails have been formally launched by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) and partners today, designed to immerse visitors in the story-filled landscape of the…
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Wild Writers Festival for Borders

Promising an injection of energy at a time of year when it is in short supply, the Eastgate Theatre’s brand-new Wild Writers Festival looks set to banish potential winter blues. Held over the weekend of 27-29 January, the festival celebrates the wealth of exceptional writing that explores people’s relationship with the living world – from…
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GTOS brings visitors to Galashiels

Great Tapestry of Scotland improving visitor perception of Galashiels

An independent study led by the University of Aberdeen’s SPOT (Social and Innovative Platform on Cultural Tourism) Team has highlighted that the five-star Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre in Galashiels has improved public perception of the historic Borders town. The research revealed the centre was the key reason that 60% of holidaymakers interviewed visited…
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Fantastic forest festival

Plans revealed for Galloway’s Fantastic Forest Festival!

A range of Galloway partners have come together to organise the inaugural Fantastic Forest Festival in the Spring. The Festival consists of an exquisite variety of conversations, walks, talks, exhibitions, activities and events throughout January and February, giving a variety of opportunities, both online, in person and in wonderful woodlands to better understand our these…
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SSDA Newsletter December 2022

MESSAGE FROM OUR INTERIM CEO We would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas after what has been a busy year for us all! The South of Scotland can look back on a busy year, and has much to look forward to in 2023. From major events and celebrations to new products and experiences, all eyes…
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Acclaimed Bakery to Open in Melrose

Acclaimed Edinburgh bakery Twelve Triangles has opened in Melrose, its first branch outside of Edinburgh. Taking over a shop on Melrose’s bustling High Street, previously home to The Bakehouse, Twelve Triangles has developed a cult following for its sourdough breads and pastries that put their signature cold prove, slow fermentation baking at their heart. The…
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