A UNIQUE biking event is helping visitors to discover the magic of a Peeblesshire forest after dark.

Light Up The Trails (LUTT) will take over Glentress Forest from March 1 and offer an opportunity for a "fantastic family adventure".

The event, a collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University's School of Arts and Creative Industries and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), will blend ethereal visuals and mystical sounds for a magical night biking event.

While LUTT is aimed specifically at families, those wanting to experience a unique night ride are also welcome to join.

Small groups of riders will cycle along some of Glentress's most popular family trails which will be decorated with interactive lighting and sound effects designed to mimic and exaggerate those normally heard in the forest.

Glentress will also be filled with ambient music to help brighten the experience as the forest transitions from winter to spring. 

Graeme McLean, head of DMBiS, said: "Our vision is to create an event that will encourage riders, new and established out into the forest during a quiet time of the year, celebrating the darkness and inspiring more people onto their bikes during the dark months by introducing them to the magic of night riding.

"We hope the event will also attract new visitors to the Tweed Valley to experience a warm welcome from the fabulous local businesses, stay for the weekend, and discover more of what the valley has to offer."

Both the creative lighting and the magical sounds for LUTT will be created by teams from across Edinburgh Napier's arts school.

Professor Zack Moir, Professor of Learning and Teaching in Music at Edinburgh Napier University, added: "We are really excited to be working on this unique cycling event with DMBinS.

"The site at Glentress is a very special place for many people in the local community and beyond.

"To have the opportunity to turn it into a multimedia installation for the night is incredible and, as far as we know, this has never been done before!

"We’re delighted to be able to add some special artistic elements to add even more wonder to the magical setting of the dark forest which will make the prospect of a family night ride even more special and dramatic."

The night riding event has been funded by the Communities Cycling Fund which is delivered by Scottish Borders Council. 

To take part in Light Up The Trails donations can be made on a 'pay what you can' basis, with all profits going to the Scottish MTB Health Fund, part of the Scottish Cycling Foundation.

For more information, visit the Light Up The Trails website.