Publication date - 13 Sept 2012

“AIMUp”, a community group from Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders, continue to press ahead with their exciting plans to build a low impact uplift & toboggan facility to enhance the 7Stanes trail network at Innerleithen. The uplift would see mountain bikers, walkers, visitors and sightseers transported in comfort to the top of Plora Rig, the start point for the current downhill trails.

A Planning application was submitted in spring 2012, and a positive outcome is hoped for in October. Meanwhile they are working hard towards securing leases for the land required to build the uplift.

A large part of this is working through Forestry Commission Scotland’s National Forest Land Scheme. As part of this process, and to demonstrate local support for the project, the group must undertake a ballot of local residents in mid October this year. “AIMUp” are stressing the importance of this ballot to the project, highlighting the need for a high turnout & favourable result as a requirement towards securing the Forestry land needed to build the uplift.

Another major task facing the group is to identify & source funding. This is an ongoing area of work, with much hinging on the outcome of the planning application. “AIMUp” are confident that they have a viable business plan, and that, together with the economic boost the uplift would bring to the Tweed Valley & the Borders, will help in the efforts to secure funding & investment.

Members of the team recently met with key stakeholders including Fergus Ewing, the Scottish Government's Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, and Claudia Beamish, South of Scotland MSP.

Speaking following the meeting, Claudia Beamish said “AIMUp is an inspired initiative that will bring real benefits for the local community and attract people from far and wide.... The revised proposals look fantastic....The meeting with the Minister was a positive step that will hopefully add further momentum..."

The group are keen to involve & mobilize the community to support the project, and welcome additional volunteer help, with the logistics of the ballot for example. For further information, or if you would like to get involved please email the team at innerleithenaimup@gmail.com, see the group's webpage at or via Facebook “Support-the-Innerleithen-Uplift”.