The Tour of Britain cycling race is set to return to Scotland next year after leaving the country off its route in 2010.

EventScotland, the organisation that promotes the country as an event destination, has confirmed that next year's race will begin in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway next year.

Scottish Borders Council Executive Member for Economic Development, Vicky Davidson, said: "This is excellent news for Scotland.

"When the Tour was here in 2009 it had a considerable impact on the Scottish Borders and to secure the Grand Depart and the Tour Ride really will keep the Scottish Borders on the map as a world class cycling destination.

"Businesses got right behind the event in Peebles last year and thousands of spectators turned out to watch the event, so I anticipate a great response next year."

This year's Tour of Britain begins in Rochdale this weekend.