Local businesses have received a total of almost £34m from the Scottish Government’s coronavirus business funds delivered locally by Scottish Borders Council (SBC), in addition to a further £6m delivered by SOSE.

The schemes administered by SBC closed last month, with all final applications, outstanding complex cases and appeals completed. The final total of grants paid by SBC totals £33,806,000.

In addition, SOSE, which is working closely with SBC and other partners to provide support across the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, has administered almost £6m to 137 businesses in the Borders through the Scottish Government’s Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Enterprise Hardship Fund and the Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund (PERF).

Councillor Mark Rowley, executive member for economic regeneration and finance, said: “The various business funds managed by the council and SOSE on behalf of the Scottish Government have provided vital support to over 3,400 business through what will have been for the majority the most challenging period in their history.

“In addition, through a variety of means, the council has provided support to a number of critical service suppliers to ensure they have been able to continue to operate and be in a position to support the recovery efforts across the region.

“There is no doubt that the economic impacts of coronavirus will continue to affect the local economy for quite some considerable time and the council will continue to work with a range of partners, most notably South of Scotland Enterprise, to ensure that business continue to receive the advice and support required.”

Professor Russel Griggs OBE, chair of SOSE, added: “As the new enterprise agency for the south of Scotland, it has been our priority to work in partnership with SBC and other key agencies to add to the collective COVID-19 response in order to meet the immediate needs of businesses, many of whom would not have been able to survive without this vital support.

“Both teams at SBC and SOSE have worked tirelessly to do what has been needed to get the funding distributed as quickly and efficiently as possible and the commitment of the staff and the intense work involved has to be commended.

“As Team South of Scotland, we look to the future as we continue to do what is needed to help our businesses and communities recover and prosper into the future. We are here to continue to work as Team SOS and encourage businesses to get in touch if they still need help, support and advice or indeed if they have an idea to adapt or diversify your business.”