Monday July 20th 2026
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Significant funding has been secured to protect fragile rural roads across the Scottish Borders.
The investment, delivered via Scottish Forestry’s Strategic Timber Transport Fund (STTF), will see three road improvement schemes get underway on the region’s road network.
The projects are designed to protect fragile rural roads impacted by timber haulage, improving quality and road safety for local residents and commercial road users.
The works are the upgrading sections of the B6357 between Dinalbyre and Kirndean, the B709 from just north of Blackhopebyres to Garvald Lodge, and the B6399 road south of Shankend.
Councillor John Greenwell, SBC’s executive member for Roads and Public Space, said: “Our rural road network is the lifeblood of our communities and our local economy, but it faces unique pressures from heavy industries like forestry.
“This funding is an incredibly welcome boost that allows us to proactively strengthen the B6357, B709, and B6399.
“By upgrading these specific routes, we are protecting our infrastructure, ensuring our roads remain safe and resilient for everyday commuters, and easing the impact of heavy timber transport on our local towns and villages.
“It’s a fantastic example of partnership working between local government, Scottish Forestry, and industry partners.”
Scotland’s forestry sector supports over 34,000 jobs many within rural areas like the Scottish Borders contributing £1.1 billion to the economy annually.
Work on the designated Borders routes is expected to commence in the coming months with the council advising road users on any temporary traffic management measures in advance to minimise disruption.
The Strategic Timber Transport Fund (STTF) is funded by the Scottish Government, managed by Scottish Forestry, and delivered through co-funding partnerships with local authorities and the forestry industry.
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