Published on
October 19, 2025
The Peebles Community Council is reforming Peebles and improving the experience for tourists on their arrival by proposing the modernization of the town’s old and out dated signage jobs. Peebles’s charm and various local businesses make it a hotspot for tourism. Local businesses and town officials are sure that new signage will improve the tourist experience and enrich the local businesses economically as well.
The issue was defended by the chair of the group, Peter Maudsley, and later he explained on the Community Council sessions why tourist signage and Peebles’s outdated signage was necessary. He stressed that many local community members had approached town council members on sagging signage issues.
Outdated Signage: A Barrier to Peebles’ Tourism Potential
Peebles, located in the scenic Scottish Borders, is a popular destination for tourists thanks to its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant community. However, despite its appeal, the town’s existing signage has been described as “old-fashioned” and “disjointed,” lacking a cohesive theme. The signage, which directs visitors to key attractions and historical sites, is now showing signs of wear and tear, creating a less-than-ideal impression for visitors arriving in the town.
Peter Maudsley stressed the need for a more modern, visually appealing, and consistent set of signs that align with the town’s status as a top tourist destination. “There is some signage for tourists, but it’s getting old, some is a bit outdated compared to modern standards, and it doesn’t all have the same theme,” he explained. This, he said, is a missed opportunity, as well-maintained, clear, and engaging signage could attract even more visitors and improve their overall experience in Peebles.
Tourism: Vital to Peebles’ Local Economy
The town of Peebles is heavily reliant on tourism, with visitors contributing significantly to the local economy. A large portion of the town’s revenue comes from tourist spending, which supports local businesses such as cafes, hotels, and shops along the vibrant High Street. Maudsley emphasized that a thriving tourism sector is key to maintaining the town’s charm and vibrancy, as many similar towns in Scotland are facing challenges with the decline of traditional industries.
“Peebles is very much a tourist town and depends upon visitors for a lot of its income,” Maudsley noted. “The income helps maintain a vibrant High Street and supports our cafes and hotels. We can all see what is happening to many similar towns across Scotland, and this demonstrates just what can be achieved when tourism is properly nurtured.” By improving the tourism experience, Peebles could secure its place as a sustainable, year-round destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Proposals for New, Modernized Signage
The main focus of the proposal is to replace the old and inconsistent signage with modern, cohesive boards that better represent the town’s identity and highlight its attractions. Maudsley outlined the key features that the new signage should include:
- The Three Fish Insignia: Peebles is known for its association with the three fish emblem, which should be prominently featured as part of the new signage.
- Photos and Text: Each sign should include informative and visually engaging elements such as photos of attractions and brief descriptions of the sites or landmarks they are pointing to.
- A Numbered Tour of the Town: To help visitors navigate the town more easily, the signage could form part of a numbered walking tour that takes visitors through Peebles’ historical sites and attractions.
- Durable for All-Weather Conditions: Given Scotland’s often unpredictable weather, the signage must be built to withstand the elements, ensuring longevity and reliability for tourists year-round.
Involving the Local Community and Securing Funding
In order to bring the plan to life, Maudsley proposed working in partnership with several key organizations in the town. These include the Peebles Civic Society, Go Tweed Valley, and the Peebles Archaeological Society, all of which have a vested interest in promoting the town’s rich history and cultural heritage. Collaboration between these groups would help ensure that the signage accurately reflects the town’s character and the diverse interests of its visitors.
Additionally, Maudsley suggested exploring the possibility of securing grant funding to support the project. The potential for external funding could help reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers and provide the necessary resources to create high-quality signage that enhances the visitor experience.
The Impact of Modernized Signage on Travel and Tourism
Improved signage would have a number of positive effects on Peebles’ tourism. For visitors, clearer, more consistent signage will make it easier to navigate the town, leading to a more enjoyable and stress-free experience. A well-marked town with engaging and informative signage is more likely to attract tourists, especially those visiting for the first time.
Additionally, the visual appeal of updated signage can create a stronger sense of place and identity for Peebles. Modern, aesthetically pleasing signage that reflects the town’s heritage can help reinforce its branding as a charming, welcoming destination for tourists.
Furthermore, the potential for increased tourism will benefit local businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector. Hotels, cafes, and retailers will likely see a boost in business as a result of attracting more visitors who are confident in their ability to navigate the town and enjoy its offerings.
Incorporating Accessibility Features in the New Signage
Fellow councillor George Ramsay proposed an additional feature to the signage upgrade—QR codes and Braille writing. The introduction of QR codes would allow tech-savvy tourists to scan and access digital information about local attractions, events, or nearby services. This would not only enhance the tourist experience but also provide up-to-date information in real time. Braille on the signs would ensure that the signage is accessible to visually impaired visitors, allowing everyone to enjoy Peebles’ rich history and culture.
Looking to the Future: Strengthening Peebles as a Tourist Destination
Improved tourism signage represents just one of the many steps Peebles can take to solidify its position as a key tourist destination in Scotland. As other towns across the country face the challenge of adapting to changing tourist demands, investing in a welcoming, easy-to-navigate town experience will only serve to strengthen Peebles’ reputation.
Maudsley’s call for modernized signage is a timely reminder that small towns like Peebles, which already boast significant historical and cultural value, can do more to attract visitors and foster sustainable tourism. By improving the experience for tourists through clearer and more engaging signage, Peebles can continue to grow as a vibrant, year-round destination that attracts both returning and new visitors.
Building a Future-Oriented Peebles for Tourists
The community remains positive that the improvement of the tourist signage in the community will ignite the ‘tourism development’ light for Peebles. Peebles benefits from its history and local business activity, and its incredible natural amenities should make it very appealing for visitors. Peebles will strengthen its tourism position in the region by improving brand consistency, sign clarity, and navigational access.
