The south of Scotland nature-based tourism project, Making Tracks, will be hosting its final conference next week at the MacDonald Hotel, Cardrona, Near Peebles.

Over 70 delegates will hear about the successes of the three year old project from its genesis as a result of the devastating effects of Foot and Mouth Disease in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders to the legacy the project leaves behind.

The Nature Based Tourism (NBT) sector is expanding across the South of Scotland and the way forward is clear through the developing influence of Wild Scotland. Formed in 2004, Wild Scotland is a national association for operators in Wildlife and Nature Based Tourism and has, thanks to initial efforts by the Making Tracks management team, nearly 20 members across the south of Scotland.

Conference organisers are delighted to be able to announce that Professor David Bellamy, world renowned botanist, broadcaster and environmentalist will address the conference in the afternoon. David Bellamy works all over the world on conservation and environmental issues and his insight is guaranteed to make for a very entertaining and stimulating talk.

Other speakers will take a closer look at some of the successful Making Tracks projects and will look at what the future holds for NBT across Scotland and further afield.

Marion Oates, Economic Development Manager for Scottish Borders Council and Chair of Making Tracks is delighted with the line up of speakers for the event. She commented, "Making Tracks has been a real success story for the South of Scotland and demonstrates excellent partnership working. The wide range of delegates already registered for the conference demonstrates the high level of interest in the topic and we are sure the day will be both enjoyable and informative.

Making Tracks was a pilot nature-based sustainable tourism project for the south of Scotland funded by VisitScotland and Leader+.A party of Swedish Leader+ project managers are attending the conference as part of a study tour of south of Scotland Leader + projects.

Further Information

• Making Tracks Website