Local organisations have been successful in securing funding from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.
The fund, which forms part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, aims to improve local areas and increase opportunities across the UK by investing in communities and local businesses.
Borders College secured £224,161 for three projects which will increase employability opportunities for those out of work, boost skills for local businesses, and allow feasibility work to help meet the growing demand for land-based skills.
Gunsgreen House Trust has been successful in securing £45,000 to take the first step to improving the visitor experience following the completion of comprehensive feasibility work.
The Oxton War Memorial Hall has received £60,000 to help renovate the village hall, transforming it into a village hub and incorporating a shop and communal workspace. This project aims to provide a space for those who cannot work from their own home, whilst also expanding capacity for community events.
The Haining Charitable Trust has received £287,000 to help complete refurbishments to the ground floor of Haining House. This will allow the house to host community and visitor events, whilst enhancing the sustainability of the building and assisting the whole regeneration process of this community asset.
Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce has been awarded £108,761 to help enhance the support to local businesses throughout the Scottish Borders and to help grow the network.
Grant funding will also support the opening of a base for local entrepreneurs within the new Hawick Business Centre, the creation of a community garden in Kelso, and the piloting of a rural taxi bus project in Selkirk, Jedburgh and Newcastleton.
It is a major boost to the Borders that so many excellent local organisations have received direct investments from the UK Government.
This funding will help to create more top-quality local jobs and support Borders businesses to expand.
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A full list of successful local applications is available online at www.scotborders.gov.uk/sharedprosperityfund
