Wednesday July 1st 2026
Flag raised on speedway track
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A flag has been raised on the first purpose-built cycle speedway track in the Scottish Borders.
The track at Tweedbank creates a new sporting and community outlet for riders of all ages and abilities.
The £270,000 facility, located at Tweedbank Sports Complex next to the running track, was officially opened recently and welcomed riders across Scotland.
Created on previously underused land, the purpose-built shale circuit is designed for cycle speedway, a fast-paced form of cycle racing using bikes with no brakes and no gears.
The development was designed and project managed by Scottish Borders Council, completed by SB Contracts and Owen Gillard Groundworks, and includes eco-friendly lighting designed and installed by OCS Group.
The facility received a starter fund from ClubSport Borders and funding from the Cycling Facilities Fund.
It is one of only four speedway tracks in Scotland.
Although designed to support high-level competition, the track will also be available for wider community use, including sessions for people learning to ride, returning to cycling, and those taking part in health and well-being activities such as gentle exercise or recovery from illness.
Councillor David Parker, SBC’s executive member for Health and Well-being, said: “The opening of the Scottish Borders’ first cycle speedway track is a great example of what can be achieved when a strong community idea is supported by the right partners.
“I want to pay tribute to Border Raiders for their determination and vision, and to everyone who helped turn that vision into reality — from the funders and partner organisations who gave their backing and advice, to those who supported the design, planning and delivery of the track itself.
“The support of sportscotland, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the National Lottery, ClubSport Borders, Borders Community Action, Tweedbank Community Council, Scottish Borders Council officers and the contractors involved has been invaluable.
“Their patience, expertise and willingness to work together has helped create a facility that will benefit riders, local residents and the wider community for years to come.”
Councillor Jenny Linehan, SBC’s executive member for Environment Sustainability and Transport, added: “This is a fantastic new facility for Tweedbank and for the wider Scottish Borders, and it is great to see the region’s first purpose-built cycle speedway track now open.
“The project has transformed previously underused land into a high-quality sporting and community asset, supporting both competitive cycling and wider opportunities for people of different ages and abilities to get active.”
Borders Raiders chairperson Trevor Bryant said: “On a personal note, I would like to thank John McBay of the SBC Sports Development team for his advice on organising my ambitions with the fundraising and his ongoing guidance, and Councillor David Parker for his unwavering support throughout the project.
“Without the initial work undertaken by Bob Reid of the SBC Planning team I doubt my funding bids would have received such positive consideration and his project management of the construction phase was outstanding.
“Finally, a massive shout out for the skills and experience of Owen Gillard who actually created the track we ride on and the creative design work of Craig Emond of OCS for the amazing flood lighting.”
Chief Executive of sportscotland Forbes Dunlop, said: “The Cycling Facilities Fund has had a transformational impact of Scotland’s cycling infrastructure with 33 completed projects and over 50 expected by the completion of the fund. It’s been hugely encouraging to see the number of people and clubs already using these facilities, access to the sport has been improved greatly for so many communities.
“This would not have been achieved without investment and lots of hard work from our local partners like Scottish Borders Council and Borders Raiders. Bringing a speedway track to the area is hugely significant for Borders communities and local cycling.”
A spokesperson from The National Lottery Community Fund said: “The cycle speedway track is a great addition to the thriving cycling infrastructure in Scottish Borders. Our contribution to the floodlights will extend the hours of use by The Border Raiders and the cycling community.”
Anyone who would like to find out more about the track, or is interested in trying the sport, should contact Border Raiders at borderraiderscs@gmail.com.
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