FLS’ Borderlands project takes shape

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is to develop a full business case for enhancing its Dalbeattie and Newcastleton forest sites under The Borderlands 7stanes Project.

With the outline business case approved in December 2025, FLS can now move to the next phase and seek delivery partners to help finalise designs.

The project, backed by £5m Borderlands funding, aims to increase visitor numbers to these destinations by making them more appealing to families, to people with accessibility needs and to a wider range of outdoor users. It is also looking to encourage longer stays and generate greater local economic benefit.

Ken Perraton, FLS’ Project Manager, said;

“In exploring the need, viability and potential benefits of this project we’ve engaged with local communities, public bodies, user groups and businesses.

“Their input has helped shape the initial proposals that both reflect local priorities and support regional ambitions for inclusive growth, sustainable tourism and improved health and well-being for local people and visitors.

“We can now move on to developing in finer detail the plans to modernise visitor infrastructure with more accessible trails and enhanced facilities for greater health benefits and economic opportunities for communities and local businesses.”

FLS and its design partners will hold drop-in sessions later in the year (between June and September) so that communities, stakeholders and partners can find out more about the detailed plans and about wider partnership and business opportunities that could further enhance these much-loved sites.

Details of drop-in sessions will be publicised nearer the time. 

As well as delivering lasting benefits for local people, visitors and the natural environment, the project will further strengthen the South of Scotland’s position as a leading outdoor destination.

Agreed in March 2021, the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is a coherent package of activity designed to deliver investment of up to £450 million into the Borderlands area. Scotland will receive £150 million - £85 million from the Scottish Government and £65 million from the UK Government. 

This will be supported by over £100 million of funding from local partners.

Notes to Editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
2. Home - Forestry and Land Scotland | twitter.com/ForestryLS