Land use and culture under discussion in a Coldstream shiel

Working the Tweed is a collaboration between Borders visual artist Kate Foster, writer Jules Horne, choreographer Claire Pençak and composer James Wyness, and environmental organisations Tweed Forum and Southern Uplands Partnership.

Project organisers say online: “This session focuses on mapping the future Scottish Borders through the current Land Use Strategy pilot and the Scottish Borders Cultural Strategy.”

Speakers at the meeting will be Tweed Forum’s senior project officer Derek Robeson, Creative Arts Business Network’s (CABN) director Mary Morrison and historian Dr David Welsh.

Mr Robeson will talk about the Scottish Government’s Land Use Strategy (plans to get the best use out of the countryside) in relation to the River Tweed and its tributaries

Working the Tweed notes: ”The Borders is one of only two regions in Scotland taking part in a ground-breaking Scottish government pilot exploring holistic approaches to land use through the frames of environment, culture and economy. Mapping is one of the methods the pilot is concentrating on.”

Ms Morrison, who leads CABN, an informal network and information-sharing project which also offers training and support, will talk about the cultural strategy.

Working the Tweed notes: “The Borders is also developing a unique cultural strategy to bring the creative, tourism, business and voluntary sectors together to enhance future prospects for the region.”

Mr Welsh will introduce an historical perspective and discuss the line the border takes, including individual trees, fields and burns.

The group held five meetings along the famous salmon river last year, covering topics such as habitat and species, restoration and flood management, tourism, hydro-electricity and the last one in November included a tour around Megget Dam.

There are limited spaces for the public to attend the Coldstream meeting, which runs from 10am to 2pm, in the fishing shiel at the Lees. For more information visit workingthetweed.co.uk