More than £1 million will be funnelled into projects to develop rural skills, boost tourism and develop female-led businesses in the south of Scotland.
Ministers said the South of Scotland Economic Partnership (SOSEP) has awarded a total of £1,045,184 to five projects – including a scheme to improve Galashiels town centre.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing announced the funding while on a visit to the Philiphaugh Estate near Selkirk, which received £154,484 to create a golden eagle visitor centre among other plans.
He 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 £85m we are investing in the Borderlands inclusive growth deal, underline our commitment to continuing to deliver for the south of Scotland and its people.”
It comes after the latest population estimates published by the National Records of Scotland showed swathes of rural Scotland have experienced decline.
Almost 80 per cent of “data zones” – small areas used to provide local statistics – in Dumfries and Galloway saw a drop in the number of people living there.
Scottish Borders Council performed better, but still saw populations fall in 59 per cent of its data zones.
A new enterprise agency for the south of Scotland is expected to be up and running by early next year.
Mr Ewing previously said it would work to “transform the area’s economy by building on its strengths and its traditions”.
SOSEP was established to allow the region to “benefit from a fresh approach to economic development”, while work to establish the new enterprise agency is ongoing.
Backed by £20m of investment across 2018-19 and 2019-20, it brings together public sector agencies and the private, education and community sectors.
A total of 19 projects are currently being supported through the initiative.
The latest batch includes a £72,500 bid to boost the centre of Galashiels, capitalising on the future location of the Great Tapestry of Scotland to attract more visitors.
Elsewhere, £19,200 will go towards ReTweed, an award-winning social enterprise based in the fishing town of Eyemouth that teaches women creative skills in craft, design and technology.
The cash will allow the scheme to pilot a new business incubator to help women start and grow their own firms.
A further £289,000 will be pumped into “growing rural skills” such as within the dairy and forestry industries.
And £510,000 aims to help increase the number of financially sustainable community enterprise projects in areas such as Stranraer, Upper Nithsdale, Dumfries town centre, Hawick, East Berwickshire, Galashiels and Jedburgh.
The £154,484 announced for Philiphaugh Estate will help it diversify and employ more people, as well as improving visitor attractions and collaborating with local businesses to showcase homegrown produce.
Professor Russel Griggs, chairman of SOSEP, hailed the latest funding drive.
He 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 and 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.”
A £394.5m “Borderlands” growth deal was signed in July, aimed at pumping investment into the five local authority areas on both sides of the Border between Scotland and England.
Up to £265m is being provided by the UK Government, with £85m coming from the Scottish Government.
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