The Scottish Government has granted funding towards four key enterprise projects which aim to reinvigorate the South of Scotland’s economy and stimulate inclusive growth.

The South of Scotland Economic Partnership (SOSEP) has awarded £7.68 million to projects across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, to provide careers opportunities and build community resilience.

Around £6.6m of the total funding has been awarded to a project to be delivered by the region’s two colleges, to create a physical and digital hub network to provide better access to training in health and social care, renewable energy, engineering and construction across the South of Scotland.

Funding awards have also been made to aid the regeneration of Annan by assisting with the delivery of the Annan Action Plan, following the recent announcement of the closure of Pinneys.

A centre of excellence for training in textiles will also be created in Hawick, and there is support for community resilience and development across seven communities.

Announcing the funding during a visit to Dumfries College, rural secretary Fergus Ewing said: “This is a clear statement of the Scottish Government’s intent to grow and regenerate the economy in the South of Scotland.

“Earlier this year we brought together experts from the public and private sectors to create a new, dedicated partnership, in advance of the new Enterprise Agency, to drive forward that regeneration. SOSEP has now identified four projects that are sure to bring long-term social and economic benefits to the area. Of course these are major projects which will take time to be worked up and delivered.

“It’s great to see the South of Scotland Economic Partnership injecting fresh impetus into the area’s economy. I’m certain that, with the dedicated focus and expertise provided by SOSEP, backed up by significant levels of Scottish Government funding, we will see a tangible strengthening of the economic environment in one of Scotland’s most important regions.”

Representing SOSEP, Professor Russell Griggs OBE added: “This funding announcement is exciting news and confirms our ambition and commitment to make the south the thriving economy we know it can be.

“There is a huge amount of work underway in the Partnership to support and develop projects which will deliver long-term social and economic benefits. We will make further funding announcements shortly.

“Our recent engagement exercise with 26 events and over 500 people attending gave a valuable insight into what we require to do. Better opportunities for training and supporting communities were key priorities; the announcement of funding today demonstrates our commitment to address these priorities immediately.”

Project

Applicant

Project aims

Funding amount

Annan Regeneration

Dumfries and Galloway Council

To support the cost of a team to drive forward the Annan Action Plan developing projects to mitigate the impact of job losses in the town following Young’s closure of its Pinney’s seafood processing plants.

Team will be set up to cover business advice, planning, property, capital projects and community development.

£250,000 (over two years)

Centre of Excellence in Textiles

Scottish Borders Council

This project seeks to address a business critical skills issue in the textiles sector by the provision of a training centre to deliver skills training to local textile companies.

£610,000 (over two years)

South of Scotland Skills & Learning Network

Borders College and Dumfries and Galloway College

Hub and spoke model to provide new facilities across the South of Scotland that will facilitate digital learning in rural locations. Initial focus on training in care, renewable energy and engineering and construction.

Involves construction of physical and digital centres and hub and spoke infrastructure.

£ 6,601,919 (over two years)

Strengthening Communities Programme

Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Match funding for seven sustainable communities projects in Peebles, Newlands, Tweedsmuir, Stranraer, Eskadale, Kirkcudbright and Kirckonnel & Kelloholm.

Funding will primarily support project officer posts to assist with the delivery of asset based income generating activity for each community. Officers will support communities to identify their needs/opportunities, agree actions, and project plan to deliver.

£220,710 (over two years)