Moffat ready to ‘sign on’

The town is set to get a signage overhaul to help lure in more tourists.
Speaking about the changes, Annandale North Councillor Stephen Thompson said: “We’ve finally got the funding, £3000, from the council’s tourism budget to update the signs on the three main road entrances to the town.”
The new signs will promote Moffat’s £240,000 transformation into a Dark Sky Status town, which was confirmed earlier this year, by boasting ‘Welcome to the Dark Sky Town of Moffat.’
And their twinning with France’s Montreuil sur Ille will also be highlighted.
Mr Thompson added: “This is a relatively small spend for a potentially big reward in terms of profile, visitors, local pride, reduced light pollution and economic regeneration.”
And the tourist town is set to benefit from even more new signs as Dumfries and Galloway Council press ahead with plans to change the start of popular walking challenge, The Annandale Way.
Plans are in place for the starting position to be changed to the Moffat Ram, a switch from its current start in the Moffat Hills.
A spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “Council access officers are currently discussing proposals for the Annandale Way with a range of interested parties, including the community council and the group responsible for maintaining the Moffat Ram.
“The aim of making the Moffat Ram the start or finish point is to attract more walkers into the centre of Moffat, encouraging use of amenities and greater economic impact.
The Ram also provides an excellent photo opportunity for walkers starting or finishing the route.”
He added: “An information board will be moved closer to the Moffat Ram, highlighting the Annandale Way to visitors once the existing panel near the Ram has been refurbished.”
The improvements are expected to be completed by January 2017 and members of Moffat Community Council are delighted by the new start position.