SCOTLAND is set to welcome the world's top cyclists as it plays host to two stages of the 2015 Friends Life Tour of Britain this autumn.

The event will come to Kelso and Edinburgh in September, marking its debut visit to the capital and the first time that it will be on Scottish soil twice within the same race.

A host of top names have taken part in recent years including 2012 Tour de France and Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins and former world champion Mark Cavendish.

The eight-day stage race gets under way in Wales on September 6 and will arrive in Scotland two days later.

Stage three will begin in Cumbria on September 8 before winding its way north-east through Dumfries and Galloway towards Kelso in the Scottish Borders where the final kilometres of the race will take place in the grounds of 18th century Floors Castle.

The following day racing will resume in Edinburgh with stage four departing from Holyrood Park through the city streets into East Lothian and the Scottish Borders before finishing in Blyth, Northumberland.

For cycling fans disappointed when Edinburgh lost out to Yorkshire in hosting the 2014 Tour de France grand depart, it will provide an opportunity to see the capital showcased on an elite sporting stage.

It also marks a welcome return for the Friends Life Tour of Britain after Scotland missed out in 2014.

The event is expected to generate a significant economic boast for the local areas featured along this year's route.

Paul Bush OBE, chief operating officer for EventScotland said: "With stunning scenery throughout the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, and East Lothian, Scotland will undoubtedly provide the perfect stage for the action. The Edinburgh start in particular will be of interest to Scottish cycling fans as we see the peloton ride through the capital for the very first time.

"With excitement and passion for cycling at a record high following the hugely successful road race at the Commonwealth Games last year, we look forward to welcoming some of the world's top riders to Scotland once again."

Further route details, along with a full list of teams and riders, will be announced this summer.

Mick Bennett, race director of Friends Life Tour of Britain organisers SweetSpot said: "This year's route gives us the fantastic opportunity to have two days of racing in Scotland and to make first visits to the east of the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh.

"I am sure many cycling fans will be excited, just like we are, at the prospect of seeing the world's top riders on the streets of the Scottish capital, and will hopefully use the race as an opportunity to visit the areas we pass through."

It adds to what is shaping up to be an exciting year for cycling in Scotland.

Motherwell will host the 2015 Pearl Izumi Tour Series and Matrix Fitness Women's Grand Prix Series on May 26.