MORE than 20,000 people visited the month-long Borders Heritage Festival in September, a rise of 350 per cent on 2015.

The annual programme featured 130 events across the region and was co-ordinated by Scottish Borders Council.

There was a selection of walks, tours and workshops to suit everyone’s tastes and council bosses hope its success will continue.

Cllr Ron Smith, SBC’s executive member for planning and environment, said: “I am absolutely delighted that so many people took in the Borders Heritage Festival this year. It has grown year-on-year, and with 2017 the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, I am sure that this success will continue.

“The success of the festival is a real partnership effort, with all sizes of organisations stepping up to put on special events, including a wide range at our fantastic heritage locations right across the Scottish Borders.”

Doug Wilson, VisitScotland’s regional director added: “The Borders’ rich cultural, built and archaeological heritage is a tremendous asset. By bringing in visitors to the area, and encouraging local residents to visit sites right across the Borders, the festival has a positive impact on our local economy, which is particularly important towards the end of the traditional tourist season.

“The success of the 2016 Borders Heritage Festival is an excellent position to build on in 2017, the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

“With so many organisations benefiting from it, I am sure we will continue to see this festival develop in 2017 and beyond and really draw in visitors from across Scotland and the world to this fantastic part of the country.”