Welcome

I am very pleased to welcome every walker to the Scottish Borders and to the Berwickshire coast and countryside this year.

This is an area where you can explore the distinctive sights and sounds of the sea along the coast and the fascinating history of the area which stretches along the border with England. Government efforts to tax people’s pleasures are centuries old and Berwickshire has its share of smugglers’ tales. Smuggling grew in 18^th and 19^th centuries and caves and caverns in the cliffs were used as hiding places. The intricate pattern of alleys in the port of Eyemouth were a great help in evading the customs men and the handsome Gunsgreen House overlooking the harbour was a centre of the illegal trade.

Up and down the coast are tiny harbours unspoiled by much development and the land around St Abbs Head is a National Nature Reserve with its 60,000 strong seabird colony and a Voluntary Marine Reserve stretches down the coast to Eyemouth.

The ground away from the coast is first class farmland stretching up to the Lammermuir Hills and their rolling heather moorland.

This is an area for people with every walking ability, stunning views, beautiful countryside and fascinating history.

And when the walking festival is done, come back again and see the parts you did not have a chance to see this time. You will be doubly welcome as old friends.

Welcome to the 2012 Scottish Borders Festival of Walking and haste ye back.

Alasdair Hutton

Convener

Scottish Borders Council