This initiative, formerly known as the Levelling Up Fund, focuses on addressing regional inequalities by investing in infrastructure, economic development, and community projects across Scotland.

The programme of works aims to boost local economies, create jobs, and enhance connectivity, with funding allocated to projects such as regenerating high streets, improving transport links, and supporting innovation hubs.

An estimate of around £4m will be invested in each town, with a similar investment for the other projects taking place across the Borders. 

The identified projects are:

Eyemouth

• Development of a masterplan for the Eyemouth Harbour area, including technical and investigative surveys and other associated works.
• Design and build of new business units at Eyemouth Harbour.
• Feasibility and design work for a proposed new family centre.

Hawick

• Project to identify, develop, and upgrade suitable brownfield sites.
• Detailed survey to identify costs for upgrading existing housing stock in Burnfoot.
• Upgrading Roxburgh & Berwickshire Citizens Advice Bureau offices to reduce energy costs and provide a better customer experience. 

Jedburgh

• Restoration and upgrading of the Jedburgh Bakery Building.
• Purchase of 3-5 Exchange Street.
• Feasibility Streetscape Project on the High Street to improve the town centre and facilities for pedestrians.

Galashiels

• Feasibility and design work for the potential development of a hotel.
• Provision for a wider footbridge linking the town centre with Borders College, Heriot-Watt University, and Tweedbank Railway Station.
• Retrofitting and regeneration of Croft Street.
• Upgrading Citizen Advice Bureau offices to reduce energy costs and provide a better customer experience.

Other locations:

• Development of Crook Inn Bunkhouse to complement the existing café in Tweedsmuir, linked to the Destination Tweed Trail.
• Opening the River Tweed Trail Neidpath Tunnel linking to the Tweed Valley. Works include upgrading of an existing bridge in the area.
• Purchase of buses and coaches to improve service on routes across the region, provision included to recruit drivers.
• Installation of digital display boards at key bus stops to provide users with better information about the services.
• Improved bus shelter and waiting facility at Borders General Hospital.
• Scottish Borders Community Spaces Decarbonisation: Working with the third sector to support energy saving projects for community buildings to help reduce energy costs.
• Grant fund for the Youth Local Action Group to identify and deliver youth facilities across the region.

The council said it is working closely with local partners and communities to co-produce associated delivery plans. 

Councillor Euan Jardine, leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “I am delighted to announce that significant regeneration projects will be taking place in our key borderlands towns, Eyemouth, Hawick, Jedburgh and Galashiels.

“Other projects which will have a positive impact across the Borders are also being funded which include improved public transport, youth facilities and support for energy saving projects for community buildings.”