PLANS for a link path between Innerleithen and Traquair are picking up pace.

The ambitious scheme, which has already sourced funding streams, would see an off-road trail created with an extended path reaching the Southern Upland Way.

The Traquair House Charitable Trust is holding a community drop in event next Wednesday to gather suggestions and opinion.

Catherine Maxwell Stuart, lady laird of Traquair, told us: “We have been looking for a number of years for ways to create a permanent off road access from Innerleithen to Traquair House and around the woodlands of the estate.

"We now have an opportunity through the Woodlands Around Towns initiative that will grant aid work which has seen us already start to create and upgrade existing pathways.

"We are keen to increase access to the woodlands around the estate for members of the local community which we see as an important objective of the Trust”.

The drop in event will be held in St James Church, Innerleithen, on Wednesday (November 30) from 3pm to 6pm.

Proposals for the pathway will be on display.

Catherine added: "The views and suggestions from local people are essential to ensure the proposed routes can offer something for all ages and abilities in the community."

Community leaders in Innerleithen are also supporting the proposals.

Ross McGinn, chairman of Innerleithen Community Trust, added: "While there is plenty of access to the north of the Tweed for a long time I have been keen to develop better access links to the south of the river.

"This project will open up new opportunities for access across the Tweed and links to the Southern Upland Way, Traquair village and Traquair House from the centre of Innerleithen.

"This project fits well with the Future Innerleithen Community Action Plan."