A SIX-FIGURE skatepark and pump track has opened in a Peeblesshire village.

The facility in Walkerburn features a 110m pump track and a multi-use games area incorporating a basketball backboard and ring set, football goal and cricket wickets.

The pump track has been designed for beginner to intermediate level users and can be used for all wheeled sports.

It has come to fruition through £115k of funding from Scottish Borders Council (SBC) and a further £65k from sportscotland.

A further £45,000 project will see a floodlight system installed at the new facility, with construction work for that taking place later this autumn.

Councillor John Greenwell, executive member for roads development and maintenance, said: “I am sure there are a lot of children and young people across Walkerburn and the surrounding area that will be delighted with the news that the new skatepark & pump track is now open and ready for use.

“The facility is of the highest standard and importantly provides greater play opportunities for our young folk. Yet again, this is another prime example of the investment SBC is committing to expanding and improving the play parks infrastructure across the region.”

The investment from sportscotland comes from the £8 million Cycling Facilities Fund.

It aims to build on the growing interest in cycling by developing a network of facilities across the country and deliver a tangible benefit from the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

The chief executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “The investment provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery to deliver the Cycling Facilities Fund has allowed us to harness the interest in cycling generated by the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and deliver a lasting benefit for the nation and the sport.

“By working with Scottish Cycling to shape the fund, we have been able to increase the opportunities for people to get involved in cycling right across the country. It’s hugely encouraging to see the number of organisations like Scottish Borders Council who have grasped this opportunity to improve the lives of their local communities by investing in cycling facilities."

Nick Rennie, Scottish Cycling chief executive, added: "I'm delighted to see yet another facility funded by the Cycling Facilities Fund open, as we continue to feel the benefits of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships coming to Scotland last summer.

“There is no doubt the World Championships and the Olympics this summer have inspired people to get on their bike, and it's great that thanks to the fund, we're able to create purpose built facilities across the country that provide safe environments for people to ride - Walkerburn skatepark and pump track is a perfect example. 

“This pump track will benefit Walkerburn and the surrounding areas, providing a fantastic all-weather facility for the local community; congratulations to everyone that has worked together to bring this project to life."