Ranger Team
The main job of the rangers is to welcome visitors and encourage use of the trail.
Rangers are also responsible for day-to-day maintenance of the footpath, waymarkers, stiles, boardwalks and bridges, as well as the overall development of the route, by working alongside communities and with volunteer groups. Rangers know their sections of the Way very well and can give you information and guidance on planning your route.
If you've spotted a maintenance problem with the Way, please contact the Ranger team.
Tom
I moved up to Scotland in 2007 to take up a job as a Countryside Ranger in Dumfries and Galloway. I am still here because of the amazing mountain biking and gravel riding to be had in the area.
My job on the Southern Upland Way is running education and community engagement across the western section.
Outside of work you will mostly find me cycling. On road or off, short rides or long distance tours. I recently rode from Dumfries down to the Isle of Wight. I’ve not yet cycled the Southern Upland Way end to end but I’m planning it.
Ross
I was first introduced to the Western Section of the Southern Upland Way through my schools work experience programme in 2001. Since my 'week on the way', I decided I wanted to become a Ranger and here I am today! I joined the DGC Countryside Team in 2008 after working around Scotland in many different temporary and seasonal Ranger jobs.
My job has changed greatly over the years from leading school groups and volunteers to now maintaining and promoting the Western Section of the SUW from Portpatrick to Ettrickhead, which also includes the very hilly 10 mile stretch in South Lanarkshire.
Away from work I enjoy wild camping, mountain biking, maintaining my 27 year old pickup truck and spending time with the family.
Keith
Keith has worked as a countryside ranger with Scottish Borders Council since 1986.
Keith has the role of managing the eastern section of the Southern Upland Way from Ettrickhead to Cockburnspath. Work involves organising repairs and maintenance to the route as well as promoting and publicising the Way.
As Senior Ranger other duties include managing the Council’s Countryside Access Team who maintain and promote the wider path network throughout the Scottish Borders.
Keith is a keen landscape photographer and is passionate about photographing the Scottish Borders countryside; the scenery and light make it a delightful place to indulge this interest.