The Tweed Valley Blogger Podcast

Turning Threads to Treads

Turning Threads to Treads - three Scottish Borders walks inspired by the Great Tapestry of Scotland. This episode is an audio version of a blog I was invited to create for The Great Tapestry of Scotland. The piece explores some of my favourite walks across the Scottish Borders and how they connect with the stories told in the Tapestry itself. The Great Tapestry of Scotland is one of the country’s most remarkable works of storytelling, and it was a privilege to contribute to their series. You can read the original blog on their website here (it includes additional links, including more details of the walks and the tapestry panels featured)https://www.greattapestryofscotland.com/stories/walks-in-the-scottish-borders/ [https://www.greattapestryofscotland.com/stories/walks-in-the-scottish-borders/?utm_source=copilot.com] If you enjoy this episode, I’d encourage you to visit the Tapestry in Galashiels, it’s a place where Scotland’s story comes alive all in one colourful room!

Reflections from The Borders

This short episode is something a little different. Each month I send an email to my subscribers and for the first time, I’m sharing an audio version :) In this edition I look back at May and talk about recent reflections on my business, Galashiels BID, Peebles Guided Walks, the closure of Haus & Co in Innerleithen and the pride of Hawick Common Riding. It’s a more reflective piece than usual shaped by observations and small details I pick up while travelling across the region. If you enjoy hearing these thoughts in audio form, let me know as I may make it a monthly feature :) Read the written version and explore blogs, podcasts, events and tours at tweedvalleyblogger.com [https://tweedvalleyblogger.com/] Subscribe to the monthly reflections email for early access [https://tweedvalleyblogger.com/newsletter-sign-up] Tickets for Peebles 900 Years in 90 Minutes Walks [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/tweed-valley-blogger-83418590033]

Peebles - 900 years in 90 minutes

This short episode sets the scene for my summer walking tours in Peebles - 900 years in 90 minutes. We begin with the sound of the town itself the quarter bells and the ten strikes of 10am, transporting you to this great town by the River Tweed... If you’d like to join me on a tour, you’ll find booking links below. Eventbrite [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/tweed-valley-blogger-83418590033] My website [https://tweedvalleyblogger.com/events]

Catching Up: SSDA Conference 2026 and a positive look at our visitor economy

I’m back on the mic as the tour guiding season kicks into life. In this episode, I share the key insights I took from the recent SSDA (South of Scotland Destination Alliance) Conference — and why they’ve left me feeling optimistic about the future of the visitor economy in the Scottish Borders. There’s a real energy building behind tourism here. You could feel it in the room at the conference, and it’s echoed in the conversations I’ve been having across the region over the past few weeks. In this episode I dig into what’s shifting, why I think it matters to everyone and why the Borders should feel confident and excited about the road ahead My SSDA Conference Presentation [https://www.ssdalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SSDA-Conference-2026-Actionable-Tips.pdf] Catriona McAllister (Live Borders) SSDA Presentation [https://www.ssdalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Live-Borders.pdf] Stuart Holmes (Historic Environment Scotland) SSDA Presentation [https://www.ssdalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/HES-Presentation.pdf] Raj Singh-Dehal (Center Parcs) SSDA Presentation [https://www.ssdalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Center-Parcs-Presentation.pdf]

A Love Letter to Bookshops

In this episode I continue my Go All In month, celebrating the UKs National Year of Reading. It is a love letter to bookshops - the home of books, ideas, knowledge and fun. Places I have always been happy in, this week I wanted to celebrate them and the people who work in them. This is my third and final podcast on the Go All In theme, thanks to everyone who has engaged so far - keep reading! This episode was recorded in St. Boswells, and at Innerleithen. Huge thanks to Ros and the team at Mainstreet Trading Company [https://www.mainstreetbooks.co.uk/] for allowing me to record some audio in the café and bookshop for this episode. CORRECTION: Of course it wasn't WH Smith I went to as a child in the 80's and early 90's - it was John Menzies!! This hit me when I was editing ;)