Fergus Ewing

SOSEP has awarded a total amount of £1,045,184 to five projects, including an initiative to improve Galashiels Town Centre and attract more visitors to the area.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing announced the funding during a visit to the Philiphaugh Estate near Selkirk, which received £154,484 to create a Golden Eagle visitor centre and extend its collaboration with local businesses to showcase local produce and attract more tourists to Selkirk.

Mr Ewing said: “The Scottish Government, working with SOSEP, is determined to help the South of Scotland to realise its full economic potential. We’re doing that by targeted investments in projects which we believe will act as the catalysts for creating new businesses, providing vital skills, and making the region an even more attractive place to visit.

“The work of SOSEP, the establishment of a new enterprise body for the region, and the £85 million we are investing in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal underline our commitment to continuing to deliver for the South of Scotland and its people.”

SOSEP chair, Professor Russel Griggs, said: “This major funding announcement is fantastic news for the South of Scotland. From wildlife to town centre regeneration, these five projects will help support and deliver long-term social and economic benefits to communities in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway by creating new businesses, providing vital skills and making the region an even more attractive place to visit. The economy of the south of Scotland will benefit greatly from this new impetus to stimulate growth and success.”

Another project which has received funding is ReTweed. They are due to receive £19,200 over two years. The project will allow the successful Eyemouth based social enterprise to initiate a new business incubator which will women start and grow their own business within the creative industries sector.

The Growing Rural Skills initiative will obtain £289,000 over two years. It aims to build on the success of a recent dairy sector pilot in Dumfries and Galloway to expand the programme into the Scottish Borders and broaden the sectors supported to include forestry. The programme also aims to develop talent pipelines for key rural industries.

Funding of £510,000 will be provided to Community Enterprise Support in 2019/20. This will pilot a place-based approach to community enterprise in the south of Scotland aiming to increase the amount of financially sustainable community enterprise projects. Initial target areas are Stranraer, Annan/Langholm, Upper Nithsdale, Dumfries town centre, Hawick, Eyemouth & East Berwickshire, Galashiels and Jedburgh.

Another project which will be funded is Building a better Galashiels. They will receive £72,500 in 2019/20. The project aims to deliver numerous high impact town centre improvements and marketing projects in Galashiels.