Gowan Miller

Development Agent

Gowan Miller

I started working life at a young age in the family manufacturing and retail businesses, however, horses have always been my passion and I've had the incredible opportunity to manage Olympic and World Cup-winning equestrian teams. After several turns around the world circuit, I decided to channel my passion for organisation and events into project & event management.

My love for horses and Scotland led me back to this beautiful region, where I worked as an agriculture student. Thrilled to return, I took on the role of Project Coordinator for the LEADER-funded Ride Scottish Borders initiative with the Southern Upland Partnership. This award-winning project (VisitScotland's 2019 Regional Working Together for Tourism Award) united tourism businesses, services, attractions, and accommodations along over 300 miles of riding routes. It successfully promoted the region as a unique and lucrative destination for equestrian tourism in the UK and internationally.

Since 2020, I've been a Development Agent at the Southern Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA). Here, I lead projects focused on equestrian tourism, dark sky tourism, and agritourism, while also supporting the Locally-Led Destination Development initiative.

My passion for events extends beyond work. I've created and managed numerous sporting events, from local races to international endurance competitions. Outside the office, this stunning region allows me to indulge my love of adventure and sports – walking, swimming, cycling, running with my dog, and of course, horses!