In a strategic move to drive economic growth and community revitalisation, a string of towns across the south of Scotland have unveiled their proposals for a share of a £20 million funding programme from the Scottish Government. The volunteer-led teams in each area have put forward a diverse range of projects, from a promenade in Stranraer to improving accessibility and energy efficiency at an arts venue in Galashiels.
The £50 million Borderlands Growth Deal’s Place Programme, jointly funded by the UK and Scottish governments, is set to transform the landscape of the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway over the next five years. Approximately 70 projects on both sides of the border are in the pipeline, with the town-by-town proposals showcasing the ambition and creativity of local communities.
Stranraer’s plans include a promenade to tackle the “grey scar” of the East Pier, a wellbeing hub, an outdoor nursery, indoor family attractions, and shopfront improvements. Hawick’s proposal envisions the transformation of the old Wilton Primary School into an arts and creative hub, a new centre for community events, outdoor learning, and health programmes, alongside new town signage.
In Galashiels, a vacant building will be redeveloped to provide shops and homes, while improvements are planned for the MacArts venue and an existing bike hire hub. Jedburgh’s proposals include a potential community hub in the former VisitScotland centre, the regeneration of the town hall, and the reopening of the Laidlaw Memorial Pool.
Kirkconnel and Kelloholm’s plans focus on five supported homes to help elderly residents live independently and new small business units. Eyemouth, on the other hand, will see improvements to the destination play park, enhancements to the beachfront and Bantry promenade, and the restoration of historic buildings.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes praised the efforts of local volunteers, stating, “These proposals are an important step forward for towns across the south of Scotland. This £20 million investment aims to create hundreds of jobs, attract thousands of visitors, and generate tens of millions of pounds for the Borderlands economy.”
Laurence Reid, director of MacArts in Galashiels, echoed the excitement, saying, “This potential funding could be the catalyst for future investment, helping secure the future of a vibrant world-class cultural hub in the Scottish Borders.”
As the business cases for individual projects are being prepared, the towns eagerly await the funding decisions in the coming months, with the hope of unlocking a new era of prosperity and community-driven development in the south of Scotland.