Rugby Sevens give £2m boost to Borders

THE home of Rugby Sevens is set for an estimated economic boost of £2 million when the sport’s longest-running tournament gets under way next weekend.

Around 12,000 visitors are expected to take the trip to Melrose in the Borders this month for the 125-year-old rugby event. Picture: Craig Watson

Some 12,000 visitors are to descend on the Melrose Sevens tournament sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management.

The 125th year of the tournament kick-starts the season for businesses such as Burt’s Hotel in Melrose, which regularly clocks up its biggest weekend of turnover. Firms further afield benefit as well, such as supplier Event A Loo of Hamilton.

Bruce Simpson, of the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce, said the direct economic boost is “considerable”, but there are other advantages such as the broadcasting of the tournament.

“PR is a major part of this event, with television coverage being both domestic and international offering outstanding opportunities to push both Borders tourism, textiles and the economy as a whole,” said Simpson.