Sarah Macdonald

Project Lead - Stories Experience Collection (TLRF)

Sarah Macdonald

I am a project manager with 30 years’ experience and a proven track record in tourism, regeneration, and event management.  Since moving to the Scottish Borders twenty years ago, projects have included a National Lottery project “Land of Creativity” and two LEADER funded projects: The New Ways Events Innovation Scheme, supporting local event organisers and communities; and Visit Tweed Valley, a project which developed the Tweed Valley brand and opportunities to become a world class activity centre.  In addition, I have also held marketing and events posts at the historic properties of Traquair House and Floors Castle.

More recent tourism projects have had an emphasis on regeneration: Made in Hawick, a tourism initiative celebrating and capitalising on the manufacturing calibre of Hawick; and Selkirk Means Business the first Business Improvement District for the Scottish Borders.

I joined SSDA shortly after its launch and am presently the project lead for the South of Scotland’s Stories Experience Collection - Making Great Memories in the South of Scotland funded by the Tourism Leadership and Recovery Fund. 

This exciting project will initially provide product and experiences for the area’s celebration of Scotland’s Year of Stories in 2022, as well as the South’s long-term ambition to be a world class literary tourism destination.