The funding programme was originally confirmed in January 2024 by the previous UK Government, however the new Government reaffirmed its commitment to deliver on the funds as part of the recent Autumn Budget.

The project proposals have been developed with partners across the region and each would deliver benefits to our communities and the economy and help tackle key issues including underlying causes of poor employment opportunities, transport connectivity and inequalities.

The identified projects include:

• £1.8m to support the development of a masterplan for the Eyemouth Harbour area, including technical and investigative surveys and other associated works
• £550,000 to help identify action and costs of upgrading housing in the Burnfoot area of Hawick
• £3.5m to help restore and upgrade the former bakery building behind the Port House in Jedburgh and to help acquire a town centre building site
• £400,000 for feasibility and design-related work associated with the potential development of a hotel site in Galashiels
• £3m for the refurbishment and regeneration of homes in the Croft Street area of Galashiels
• Support for Citizens Advice Bureau services in Galashiels and Hawick
• £1m to support the development of a bunkhouse facility at The Crook Inn, Tweedsmuir
• £625,000 for the Youth Local Action Group to identify and deliver youth facilities across the Borders
• £1.6m for new council buses and coaches to help provide improved service provision on selected routes throughout the area

The potential projects and funding were discussed at a meeting of the council last week.

Councillor Euan Jardine, leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “The investment of £20m into key projects across the region will have a really positive impact on the area. It will help address various challenges and allow the progression of some council and partner-led projects which would not otherwise be possible.

“Although specific funding has been allocated towards Eyemouth, Galashiels, Hawick and Jedburgh, more than a quarter of the funding, if approved, would support Borders-wide projects, or projects in other specific communities, ensuring the benefits stretch far and wide.

“We now await the feedback from the analysis of the business cases and look forward to approved projects starting to be delivered through 2025/26.”

Business cases for the projects are currently being analysed by UK Government officials, with feedback anticipated before the end of the year.

Projects will only be able to access a share of the funding if they meet specific criteria, including a cost benefit ratio of over one.

Councillor Scott Hamilton, portfolio holder for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, added: “Building upon the significant investments into the region through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal and the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the Levelling Up Partnership is another opportunity to focus major external funding on addressing local priorities.

“The quality of the project proposals developed alongside our partners is very high and if funded they will have a really positive impact on our communities.”