Meet Sarah…
Introducing Sarah McNeil, the public face of our brand-new visitor centre in the heart of Peebles High Street.
Visitors can always expect a warm welcome and a chat…
Great to have you onboard! Tell us a little more about yourself
Having been born and brought up in the Tweed Valley, and now raising my own family locally, I know just how much we have to offer visitors here. With great facilities and an abundance of natural beauty, the area really does offer something for everyone. Personally, I have worked in the tourism industry both for VisitScotland and also for a local visitor attraction – Kailzie Gardens – and so I understand well the needs of local tourism businesses.
What excites you most about this role?
It has been a while since we’ve had this kind of facility locally and I believe we can make a real difference in signposting visitors to places and activities that will help take their stay to the next level. I appreciate that it is possible to source lots of information online, but nothing beats local knowledge and that personal touch.
And what do you bring to the role personally?
Energy, experience and a real passion for the area. I particularly enjoy meeting people and am excited to help visitors make the most of their stay here. As those who know me will testify, I do like a chat!
“The Tweed Valley continues to go from strength to strength as a destination but we still need to work hard to find new ways of attracting an even wider range of visitors and helping them have the best experience while here.”
How will the visitor centre serve the wide range of people that will step through the door?
By giving them all a warm welcome and offering tailored local knowledge. Of course, we are also here to help locals make the most of the area; there is so much to see and do all around – maybe sometimes we take it all a little for granted.
And how will you help showcase local tourism businesses at the visitor centre?
This will be a big part of our job. As well as offering personal recommendations to visitors, we will also be curating a lively programme of themed displays, mini-exhibitions and evening events that will shine a light on everything that is on offer locally. The centre will serve as a real shop window for tourism businesses, with the space used for product launches, tastings of new menus, highlighting exhibitions at local galleries and more.
What’s up first?
Our first themed focus is on the area’s outstanding food and drink, with a tie-in to the wider night-time offer for visitors. As well as displays in the visitor centre, keep an eye on our website and social channels for interviews and stories featuring local chefs, plus loads of recommendations for places to eat and drink over the coming months.
Raising a glass to the valley’s vibrant food & drink scene. Photo: 1881 Gin School, Peebles Hydro
What do you love most about the Tweed Valley?
Where to start! Stunning landscapes, peace and quiet but also great shopping, buzzy places to eat and a tonne of activities to enjoy. The Tweed Valley continues to go from strength to strength as a destination but we still need to work hard to find new ways of attracting an even wider range of visitors and helping them have the best experience while here.
And what would be your own perfect day spent in the area?
I enjoy a good walk or cycle with friends, getting off the beaten track and experiencing the beautiful scenery – all rounded off with a coffee and a bite to eat in a cosy café or restaurant. Luckily, we are spoilt for choice on all counts here in the Tweed Valley!
Further info
The Go Tweed Valley Visitor Information Centre is situated on the ground floor of the historic Chambers Institution on Peebles High Street. Dating back to the 16th century, this grand old building also houses the Tweeddale Museum & Gallery and the John Buchan Story.
The visitor centre is open Wed to Sat (10am to 3pm) from November to March and Tues to Sat (10am to 4pm) from April to October. We look forward to seeing you there!