Scotland is home to some of the finest golf courses, and has no less than five current courses that are venues for the Open Championship. As well as our own golf course, there is plenty of choice when it comes to golfing in the Borders, with over twenty other courses within easy driving distance.

Local fishing is available in the Rivers Tweed, Ettrick and Yarrow, and on nearby Lindean Reservoir. Permits can be purchased at the following outlets:

• Selkirk: Rodgersons Newsagents, 6 High Street, Selkirk - tel. 01750 20749
• Galashiels: Border Angling Centre, 97 High Street, Galashiels - tel. 01896 751620
• Peebles: Cast Around, 20a Northgate, Peebles - tel. 01721 729229

Other local fishing lochs include:

• Headshaw Loch (tel. 01450 376809)
• St Mary's Loch (tel. 01750 42243)
• The Wooden Loch (tel. 01835 850255)

The local angling association can advise on stocked lochs and reservoirs. Please call Mr D Mitchell of the Selkirk and District Angling Association, on 01750 20748 for further information.

The Scottish Borders is an ideal place for cycling, with numerous routes and a brand new cycle tour, Borderloop, that stretches around the area. Waymarked road routes include:

• The 4 Abbeys: a 55 mile circular route linking Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh Abbeys
• The Tweed Cycle Way: an 89 mile route running along the Tweed from Biggar to Berwick

For the adventurous, new forest routes recently opened at The Hub in nearby Glentress, with blue, red and black runs, and the Tweed section of the Forestry Commission's '7stanes' run at Innerleithen.

Further information on routes and bike hire can be obtained from the 7 stanes website.

There are several shooting and target practice activities available in the surrounding area, which offer top class facilities and are open to both novices and experienced shots. Clay pigeon shooting is an increasingly popular and enjoyable outdoor pursuit - and junior family members can also participate, depending on age and build.

Opportunities for rough shooting are available at the Buccleuch Estates with several species including snipe, woodcock, pigeons, rabbits as well as pheasant and partridge. Wild duck flighting can also be arranged on the many small lochs on the Estate. With instruction available in both game and clay shooting, and archery centres, you'll be sure to find an activity that suits the whole family.

For further information please contact:

• Roy Green, Sporting Manager, Buccleuch Estates: tel. 01848 600283
• Braidwood Sporting Clays, Midlem, Selkirk: tel. 01835 870280
• Eastcote House Archery Centre, Hawick: tel. 01450 870008