A NEW destination marketing campaign to inspire people to visit the Scottish Borders this spring and summer has been launched by VisitScotland, in partnership with the Scottish Borders Council.

With outdoor activities, wildlife, geology, heritage and food and drink events, the Scottish Borders has long been a draw for visitors with an interest in adventure and the natural world.

Launching this month, the spring campaign, which complements VisitScotland’s Brilliant Moments campaign, highlights the range of events and activities that visitors can see and discover in the region including: The Mighty Deerstalker (14 March); Hawick Reivers Festival, (27-29 March); Melrose Sevens (11 April); TweedLove (17-31 May); Return to the Ridings (throughout June); Kirk Square Kitchen (6 June); Borders Book Festival (11-14 June); Eyemouth Herring Queen Festival (18-26 July); Border Union Show (24-25 July); and Traquair Fair (1-2 August).

As well as press advertising, the campaign also incorporates e-zines and direct mail targeting more than 34,000 people who have expressed an interest in visiting the region. It will also involve digital activity, including Facebook posts, e-mails and online banners.

The direct mail brochure features stunning images of St Mary’s Loch, The River Tweed by Floors Castle and Melrose Abbey.

Paula McDonald, regional director of VisitScotland said: “The Scottish Borders is always a popular choice among visitors but it is important to keep momentum going following the major events of 2014. Tourism is at the heart of the region’s economy, creating jobs and sustaining communities.

“With our outstanding natural larder taking centre stage during the Year of Food and Drink 2015, this campaign offers visitors, from both Scotland and further afield, just a taste of the many brilliant moments the Scottish Borders can offer.” Tourism attractions that feature food and drink are being promoted in the campaign and include Whitmuir The Organic Place at Lamancha, The Restaurant at Kailzie Gardens and Garden Cottage Farm, Stichill near Kelso.

Councillor Stuart Bell, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for economic development, said: “The Scottish Borders has so much to offer visitors and I am delighted that this VisitScotland campaign is highlighting our fantastic events, visitor attractions, scenery and, in the Year of Food and Drink, our high quality produce. Tourism is vital to the area’s economy and hopefully this campaign will help to bring in even more visitors to the Scottish Borders through the year.”