Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing is at Dumfries College to formally announced that 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.
It is being directed to four enterprise projects with the aim of stimulating inclusive growth in both areas.
The bulk of the cash, £6.6 million, will go to a project to be delivered by Dumfries and Galloway College and Borders College to create a physical and digital hub network to provide better access to training in health and social care, renewable energy, engineering and construction.
There’s also money to 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 be created in Hawick, and there is support for community resilience and development across seven communities.
Mr Ewing said: “This is a clear statement of the Scottish Government’s intent to grow and regenerate the economy in the South of Scotland.
“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.
