SSDA Newsletter January 2023

MESSAGE FROM OUR INTERIM CEO Excitement is in the air this month as we showcase the many events happening in the region and across Scotland in the coming weeks as we look towards Scottish Tourism Month in March. We have launched tickets for the South of Scotland Tourism Conference to be held on 14th March at Peebles Hydro…
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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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Second Annual Conference For South Of Scotland Destination Alliance Confirmed As Exciting Year Beckons

Event in March 2023 will be first opportunity for many SSDA members to meet new Chief Executive David Hope-Jones   Business owners working in leisure, hospitality and tourism in the south of Scotland are updating their Year Ahead planners today after the date was confirmed for the second annual conference organised by the South of…
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Flying Start For New Campaign Encouraging Tourists To Visit The South Of Scotland This Winter

200,000 people reached in first two weeks of South of Scotland Destination Alliance Winter Escapes campaign promoting Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway   A new digital marketing campaign from the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) has already reached 200,000 people after just a couple of weeks, directing hundreds of potential holidaymakers to the…
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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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Raiders Gravel Galloway

Gatehouse of Fleet to host UK’s First Top Level International Gravel Race

Gatehouse of Fleet will play host to The Gralloch, the UK’s first top level international gravel cycling race. The event, to be held on Saturday May 20th 2023, will be the first UK event to be part of the TREKUCI Gravel World Series, the Union Cycliste Internationale’s highest level of gravel racing. The status means…
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Esteemed charity head and strategic development expert appointed to steer South of Scotland tourism body

The South of Scotland Destination Alliance announces new Chief Executive to lead work developing the South of Scotland into a year-round tourist destination   The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) today announced that Borders-based David Hope-Jones OBE will be the new Chief Executive of the strategic Destination Management and Marketing Organisation for the Scottish…
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