Scottish stage of Tour unveiled

The Tour of Britain is the UK's largest professional cycling event

The route has been unveiled of the Scottish stage of cycling's Tour of Britain to be held later this year.

The third stage of the event, on 14 September, will run from Peebles in the Borders to Dumfries and Galloway.

The Tour of Britain is the UK's largest professional cycling event and sees 96 riders from 16 teams compete over a gruelling 750 miles in eight days.

Vicky Davidson of Scottish Borders Council said it was a great opportunity to raise the region's profile.

Dumfries and Galloway has hosted stages in the event a number of times in recent years.

This is the first time it has shared the honour with the Borders.

Paul Bush, of EventScotland, said it underlined Scotland's reputation as "one of the finest cycling destinations in the world".

Significant coverage

Ms Davidson said it was a welcome boost for the south of the country.

She said: "I am delighted that the Borders has won the chance to host a Tour of Britain stage.

"It attracts competitors from across the world and significant TV and press coverage.

"We are working with the Tour organisers on the proposed route to ensure that we show as much of the scenery of the Borders as possible."