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News from the Way
This page covers the following topic, just click on the one required to access the data.
- Path up-grading
- Tribute to Dame Jean Maxwell-Scott
- Development of the Way
- Walking Options and Distances Chart (Free)
- First walkers to complete the entire route
- Website endorsements and support
- Wind Farm development
- Wind farm - Walk with the politicians
- Official Launch of the Way
- Winning painting from Launch day
- Press release
- Completion Certificates
- Promotional Leaflets
- Land's End to John O'Groats
- Links to Northumbria University
- Website expansion
- Poetry relating to the Way
- Walkers' Newsletter
Path Up-grade (Tibbie Sheils to Bowmont Farm)
The section of track for most of the way between Tibbie Shiels and Bowerhope Farm has been upgraded over the winter period 2005. This is now in use although it will not be open to other then walkers until 2007, giving the track time to settle and compact.
The new path tends to be slightly higher from the loch side and it is much easier to walk. The path has the advantage of being wide enough for two walkers side by side.
Besides a wider path there is a drainage channel to the hill side so that it is likely to be a much drier path to the one that it replaces. The path is also clear of small trees and shrubs making for an easier and less obstructed experience.
Tribute to Dame Jean Maxwell-Scott
Dame Jean was the last direct descendent of Sir Walter Scott and was a great,great,
great grand daughter. She with her elder sister Mrs Patricia Maxwell-Scott had been resident
in Abbotsford over a long number of years and both graced the house and welcomed visitor whenever they
were in residence. Dame Jean lived several years following the death of her sister and her death at
Abbotsford in early May 2004 has been a sad event for Abbotsford, the local community and the
hundreds of people who were fortunate to know her.
- Path up-grading
- Tribute to Dame Jean Maxwell-Scott
- Development of the Way
- Walking Options and Distances Chart (Free)
- First walkers to complete the entire route
- Website endorsements and support
- Wind Farm development
- Wind farm - Walk with the politicians
- Official Launch of the Way
- Winning painting from Launch day
- Press release
- Completion Certificates
- Promotional Leaflets
- Land's End to John O'Groats
- Links to Northumbria University
- Website expansion
- Poetry relating to the Way
- Walkers' Newsletter
Path Up-grade (Tibbie Sheils to Bowmont Farm)
The section of track for most of the way between Tibbie Shiels and Bowerhope Farm has been upgraded over the winter period 2005. This is now in use although it will not be open to other then walkers until 2007, giving the track time to settle and compact.
The new path tends to be slightly higher from the loch side and it is much easier to walk. The path has the advantage of being wide enough for two walkers side by side.
Besides a wider path there is a drainage channel to the hill side so that it is likely to be a much drier path to the one that it replaces. The path is also clear of small trees and shrubs making for an easier and less obstructed experience.
Tribute to Dame Jean Maxwell-Scott
Dame Jean was the last direct descendent of Sir Walter Scott and was a great,great,
great grand daughter. She with her elder sister Mrs Patricia Maxwell-Scott had been resident
in Abbotsford over a long number of years and both graced the house and welcomed visitor whenever they
were in residence. Dame Jean lived several years following the death of her sister and her death at
Abbotsford in early May 2004 has been a sad event for Abbotsford, the local community and the
hundreds of people who were fortunate to know her.
Dame Jean was the last direct descendent of Sir Walter Scott and was a great,great, great grand daughter. She with her elder sister Mrs Patricia Maxwell-Scott had been resident in Abbotsford over a long number of years and both graced the house and welcomed visitor whenever they were in residence. Dame Jean lived several years following the death of her sister and her death at Abbotsford in early May 2004 has been a sad event for Abbotsford, the local community and the hundreds of people who were fortunate to know her.
It was with Dame Jean's personal involvement that the Sir Walter Scott Way was given the support and encouragement needed to develop the route, and she was unstinting in her help and guidance when it came to researching the Scott connections. Her enthusiasm for the development was evident last year when the walk was launched at Abbotsford and she offered such a charming and warm welcome to Mr & Mrs Orme from Australia as well as all the Border schoolchildren who took part in the event.
I regard myself as being fortunate to have not only known Dame Jean in the capacity of developing this walking route
but in other local and civic activites. She was always welcoming, passionate about her ancestor, committed
to the Border landscape and communities and profoundly interested in so many local people.
JH
Firsts Walkers to Complete the Way
Finishing on Saturday the 14th June, Brian and Sue Kendrick from
Leicester were the first known walkers to have completed the Way in one
continuous walk. Starting from Moffat on Monday 9th June they undertook
the Way in six stages. On the Wednesday they were joined by John
Henderson of Walking Support and two other walkers on the SUW for the
section between Traquair and Galashiels.
Sue runs Writelink, a website dedicated to the interests of literary people and she has been very keen to promote the Sir Walter Scott Way to her membership.
Click to return to the News Index
Website Endorsements and Support
We are pleased that we have received either endorsement or support
from a number of organisations or groups. We have the endorsement of
the Edinburgh Sir Walter Scott Club from a historical and literary
perspective.
We recognise that walking as a leisure pursuit is a health
promotion activity and Healthy Living has been pleased to endorse this
walking website and others managed by I-Net Support. We additionally
have the support of Paths for Health, an organisation that is
encouraging individuals to take up walking, however short in distance
on a regular basis, as a means of developing a healthier lifestyle.
To view these painting a the launch day event click
here
The two new proposed wind farms are going to be on the section between
Traquair and Galashiels, on a section that has some of the most
dramatic panoramic views. The developments would be at the Minch Moor
and at Broadmeadows near to the Three Brethern. The former plan is
already at the consultation phase with planning application received by
the Council. People have until the end of June to make representations
regarding this application.
The graphic is to illustrate the size of the wind turbines that are
planned for the 38 on this ridge walk. The size of the rotor sweep
being as large as a Jumbo Jet.
The preliminary details on the latter have been on display at two
public exhibitions but as final details come to light this will be
added to the website.
We would welcome receiving your comments and this would help us to
further develop a position to contribute to the consultation process.
We invite you to therefore e-mail us with your observations and/or questions.
View other contributors comments by clicking here.
The local M.P. and M.S.P's and all SBC Councillors were invited to
attend however there was only token presence from one MSP and two local
councillors. These politicians who attended were very helpful and supportive of the
campaign to have this Minchmoor application turned down, but it was
unfortunate that others did not take the time to see the impact of the
windmills on the Way, the local community & the tourism economy.
We would be strongly encouraging all walkers who are concerned about
this development but were unable to attend to still write to your local councillor and MSP regarding this application.
Time is now running short so please make your voice know now prior to
the planning committee meeting.
If you want to be added to the list of concerned walkers and become
part of an e-mail group receiving updates on planning developments,
please place you name and contact details (address, telephone number)
on the e-mail by clicking here.
As part of the walk on the Sir Walter Scott Way, Bill and Nedra were
part of the group walking into Abbotsford for the Official Launch of
the Sir Walter Scott Way. Bill also spoke to the guests and school
children who were present. For more pictures of this event
click here.
After months of development and behind-the-scenes planning I-Net/Walking
Support is pleased to announce that there was an official opening of the
newest and most varied long distance walk in the Scottish Borders,
the 'Sir Walter Scott Way'.
It took place on Wednesday 30th April 2003 when there were a number of
events
at the ancestral home of Sir Walter Scott, namely Abbotsford.
Our thanks go to Alastair Henderson and marketing lecturers from
Northumbria University Business School for all the Marketing
Consultancy support.
For images of the launch day click here.
For release. 30th April 2003 or closest date thereafter - (Melrose, Scottish Borders)
The memory of Sir Walter Scott lives on.
On the 30th April the Sir Waiter Scott Way will be officially launched amidst gathered guests and a local school at Abbottsford. The walk is the innovation of John Henderson of SCSupport, Melrose. NU Henderson has already successfully developed and marketed the Rob Roy Way in Perthshire whilst also in his portfolio of walking websites is St Cuthbert's Way and Great Glen Way.
The new walk is welcomed by the Scottish Borders Tourist Board whose
Chief Executive Riddell Graham said "Given the high importance visitors
place on access to the countryside and the success of other long
distance routes in the area we are delighted to be associated with this
new initiative. It is clear from feedback we have had from walkers
using the St Cuthbert's Way, that linking an established route to a
person or character works well and attracts first time visitors. We
hope that this route will do much to stimulate renewed interest in the
life and works or our best known literacy figure Sir Walter Scott."
Dame Jean Maxwell-Scott a direct ancestor of Sir Walter Scott has been
supportive throughout the development. She said, "I am delighted that
the Sir Walter Scott Way is to be launched here at Abbotsford on
Wednesday 30th April. I send my best wishes to all who take part in the
Walk this year and in future years".
The Sir Walter Scott Way is based on a part of the already existing
Southern Upland Way, but the product is marketed on the accessibility
of the Way and the abundance of literacy links to the life and works of
Sir Waiter Scott. The walk starts from Moffat in Southern Central
Scotland ending at Cockburnspath on the South East Scottish Coastline
it covers 148 Km / 92 miles of some of Scotland's most inspiring
scenery.
From the remote hills and valleys of Southern Scotland the way travels
by river, loch side and drove road into the central borders and takes
in beautiful Abbotsford, Sir Waiter Scott's home, where he penned many
of his novels, including the Waverley novels.
Asked what the walk would bring to the area Mr Henderson indicated that
it would provide a welcome boost to tourism and bring revenue to the
area. He also elaborated on the opportunity the web site provides for
local accommodation and service providers to put their service out to
a wider and more diverse consumer market in a cost elective and hassle
free manner.
Over the last couple of months in partnership with Northumbria
University Business School in Newcastle, SCSupport and a post graduate
marketing consultant have been developing awareness, databases, links,
partnerships, sponsorship and direct marketing strategies as well as
making the site as user friendly and informative as possible. Through
the development of awareness and linkages of the walk and web site can
already boast hit rates that were unexpected pre launch. Mr Henderson
concluded, "We appear to be getting the correct communication mix to
stimulate peoples interest."
The launch is further hoped to raise awareness of the walk and
SCSupport have enlisted the assistance of various groups to help make
the day a success. Two walkers from Australia who are walking the
length of Britain will be using the section past Abbotsford on this day
and will assist in the launch event. They along with around 40 school
children from Wilton will walk from the Melrose area to Abbottsford
before Mr & Mrs Orme will progress to Traquair. Wilton Primary School
will then stay for an activity day at Abbottsford, which will consist
of tour of the house and grounds, chronology on Sir Walter Scott's life
and an art competition.
For further details on the Sir Walter Scott Way including accommodation
and services and general information visit www.sirwalterscottway.com
As a key part of the promotion and awareness raising of the Way a
10x21cm folded leaflet has been produced and is already widely
distributed throughout the length of the Way. This leaflet contains
photos from along the route, a map of the Way (not for use as a
navigation map) and some description of the route interest and scenery.
As part of an initiative between Northumbria University Business School
and localised businesses, John Henderson director of SCSupport, has
enlisted the expertise of a Marketing Master student to assist with
strategic planning of the 'Sir Walter Scott Way' both in the short and
long term. This work will also provide support for the official launch
of the walk of 30th April 2003. The student will be carrying out the
consultancy work over a 10 week period and it is hoped to benefit all
parties involved. John Henderson in particular is delighted to have
the benefit of the University and student to pass on their acquired
knowledge in what is a very competitive field of marketing.
After detailed analysis of the customers' needs, the
www.sirwalterscottway.com is going to undertake a few alterations.
Understanding that the consumers' needs are key, SCSupport are going to
provide three new pages to assist with information-gathering and
enjoyment of the walk.
Hills are piled like dunes:
Grasses ripple in the air:
As a cricket starts its outboard motor,
By Rowena M Love ©2002
Winner of Local Prize (adults) in 6th Annual Ottakar's and Faber
Poetry Competition October 2002
Walking Support and I-Net Support have combined together to produce an
e-mail circulated Walkers' Newsletter. This newsletter will be sent to
only those on our Newsletter Database, and it will be absolutely free.
The newsletter will be made up of useful information on Long Distance
Walking, include any new routes or revisions to existing one and will
provide offers and competitions for individuals walking the routes that
we support.
We will not pass your name or e-mail address on to any other
party so you will only receive our newsletter through registration.
You can also at any time remove you registration by simply click on the
un-subscribe button at the bottom of all newsletters.
To register simply click
here and send the blank e-mail. You will then be added to the
database.
Since the early days of the route's development we have been aware and encouraged to introduce a variation
on the path to bring the walkers into Selkirk, a town with a very significant Scott connection. This has now been
achieved using already recognised and well walked paths from the Three Brethren to Selkirk and Selkirk to
Abbotsford via Cauldshiels Loch.
For many this will become the main line of the walk even although it adds just a few miles to an already relatively
long walk. For the developers of the Sir Walter Scott Way we are only too pleased to be able to offer this choice
and a further link with Sir Walter Scott, knowing that whichever route is taken the Way will still access Abbotsford
and include all the other connections that have been identified and recorded on the website.
When it comes to extensive detail it is not always attractive to set it out on the website. The matter
of distances and how the walk can be split into different sections is a good example.
Within the main pages we supply some of the detail but we believe that there are up to 12 six day
walking options and 7 seven day opportunities developed to suit the walkers specific needs be it
distance or time to stop and visit places of interest. We are offering this data free to anyone that has
access to an e-mail address and who can receive a Word attachment. Simply
click
here and send the blank e-mail to us and we will return the e-mail with the attached document. If you
are wanting us to use an alternative e-mail address you will need to type this in the main text.
We hope that the walkers on the route will want to contribute to this
page. If this is the case then please
e-mail
the webmaster and submit
your item of news. (The webmaster reserves the right to withhold items
submitted that are felt to be inappropriate)
We would also like to encourage charities who are using the Way as a
source of fundraising to contact the webmaster and we will endeavour to
promote the event and the charity on the website. This has been a
successful formula used on other
Long Distance Walking Websites managed
by this organisation.
Click on either of the logos to link to their specific websites and
gain additional data on their aims and objectives.
Click to return to the News Index
Winning Paintings from the Official Launch
Click to return to the News Index
Wind Farms on the line of the Way.
Presently there are plans for two new wind farms on the route of the
Way, this adding to the two already visible but in the more distant
horizon.
Interested walkers many want to
access the details on the
AMEC website.
We as the webmasters for the Sir Walter Scott Way now received comments
from a range of walkers and have determined a position on these
developments as detailed in a letter to
the Planning Authority. The
visual impact of these two developments will be significant, while we
also recognise the benefits of move to renewable energy. However we
take the stance that there must be many other locations of a less
sensitive nature where the tourism economy will not be adversely
effected by such developments.
Click to return to the News Index
On-site walk with the politicians
Walkerburn Action Group organised and ran a walk over the Minch Moor
taking in the site of the planned windfarm on the 31st August. This
started from Traquair Village Hall at 12.30pm following the showing of
a video on the noise and other difficulties being experienced by
residents close to other windfarms in Cumbria and the North of England.
Over 40 people attended in addition to an earlier group from
the central belt who came down by bus to walk the stretch from Traquair
to Broadmeadows.
Click to return to the News Index
Completion Certificate
We are pleased to announce that through Walking Support's sponsorship
we are now able to present completion certificates to all walkers who
complete the 92 mile route in one continuous walk.
This is a card based certificate of A4 size with your personal name
and date of completion inscribed.
To obtain one of these certificates all you need to presently do is
e-mail us with the following details:
We will be introducing a log sheet and signing procedure in the longer
term but until then we are happy to accept this form of verification.
Click to return to the News Index
Land's End to John O'Groats
Bill & Nedra Orme are completing their walk from south to north in
April and May 2003. This Australian couple are very experienced walkers
having covered over 35,000 kms on long-distance walks in varying parts
of the world.
Bill & Nedra made contact with John Henderson of
Walking
Support, who is also the webmaster for this website, having
identified certain parts of the St Cuthbert's Way, the Sir Walter
Scott Way and the Rob Roy Way as elements of their journey north.
The result is that John has recently join them on stretches of this
routes, between Melrose, Abbotsford and Traquair. Later they will
again meet up between Aberfeldy and Pitlochry on the
Rob Roy Way.
Click to return to the News Index
The Official Launch Of The Sir Walter Scott Way.
Click to return to the News Index
Press release for The Sir Walter Scott Way.
Click to return to the News Index
Promotional Leaflet
The distribution will now be focused on the walking community and
should anyone be interested in receiving a copy they should
e-mail
us with their postal address and contact telephone number.
Click to return to the News Index
SCSupport develops close links with Northumbria University
Click to return to the News Index
www.sirwalterscottway.com to expand.
Click to return to the News Index
Poetry inspired by a part of the Way
This poem was inspired by the Traquair to Yair section of the Way. The
poet has given her kind permission to reproduce the poem on the website
but all copyright conditions must still apply.
AGROUND
climbing to their sandcastle cairns
coats skin with brine.
Wind's high tide crashes on a conifer shore,
its constant roar eroding silence;
in the lee are pools of birdsong.
seaspray that glistens silver in sunshine,
while shoals of speedwell and tormentil
swim in heather shallows.
Every plant is spattered
with cuckoo spit spume.
foxgloves explode in bursts of flares
for fallen trees lying shipwrecked
at forest's edge.
Elsewhere, felling's storm
has left a pile of driftwood,
part of nature's ebb and flow.
Click to return to the News Index
Walkers' Newsletter
Click to return to the News Index
Development of the Way
Click to return to the News Index
Walking Options and Distances Chart (Free)
Click to return to the News Index
This page will publish news details as well as providing general
information that does not easily fall under other page headings.
History |
Sir Walter Scott |
Local Interest |
Walker's Data |
Home Page
© Copyright, design & maintained by
I-Net Support Latest update - February 2006
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