Pic: Gary Jennings

One of the big reasons for the UK being particularly well-served by purpose-built trails and MTB centres is that they’re a proven way of pulling people (and hence money) into struggling rural areas. A lot of the funding to get centres built comes from regional development agencies, the EU and other bodies charged with boosting rural economies. Clearly this only works if businesses in those areas work to offer visiting mountain bikers stuff that they need – including, but not limited to, beds for the night, spare brake pads, caffeinated beverages, bacon sarnies and large slabs of cake.

To that end, businesses in the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway are being offered the opportunity to tap into the undiscovered market of mountain biking, thanks to the 7stanes trail centre project.

The 7stanes has produced a comprehensive fact sheet which is packed full of information that businesses need in order to diversify into the mountain biking tourism market. The booklet covers everything from how to tweak an existing business by providing specific facilities for mountain bikers to setting up a brand new business opportunity.

The 7stanes project has created seven mountain biking centres in Forestry Commission Scotland forests in the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

Julie Cartner of the 7stanes said:

“Over the last six years, mountain biking has gone from strength to strength and is now regarded as one of the most popular outdoor sports.

“One of the reasons the 7stanes was set up was to help economic regeneration in the south of Scotland after the foot and mouth crisis and the growth of the sport has had knock-on effects for rural economies.

“The factsheet will highlight ways in which businesses can tap into this market and also help to ensure that mountain bikers continue to come to Scotland. It provides hints and tips on services that mountain bikers look for, such as secure storage for bikes and clothes washing facilities.”

The fact sheet is part of a Scottish Enterprise Business Insight Adventure Sports Tourism day, which is being held in Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre, Peebles on 17 November. Those attending will be provided with an overview of opportunities for the local business community, an overview of the 7stanes and the chance to visit one of the most popular 7stanes centres, Glentress.

The fact sheet is available from your local Business Gateway or by calling 0845 609 6611. To arrange a guided 7stanes ride for businesses new to mountain biking, or for information on the 7stanes or the workshops please contact Julie Cartner (Dumfries and Galloway) on 01387 272440 or Andy Wardman (Borders) on 01750 721120 or visit www.7stanes.gov.uk.

The 7stanes project is being managed by Forestry Commission Scotland with partners Scottish Enterprise Dumfries & Galloway, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Enterprise Borders, Scottish Borders Council, Solway Heritage, Scottish Power and Visit Scotland. The Scottish Association for Mental Health has also been supporting the project. The project receives half of its funding from Europe.

For more information on Forestry Commission Scotland’s mountain bike trails visit www.forestry.gov.uk/mtbscotland