Supported by the Scottish Government, the South of Scotland Economic Partnership (SOSEP) has earmarked £7.68 million for a number of projects across Dumfries, Galloway and the Scottish Borders that will help provide more career opportunities and build better community resilience.

£6.6M of the funding will be used to create a physical and digital hub network to provide increased access to training in renewable energy, engineering, construction and health and social care. This project will be delivered by the region’s two colleges and span across the South of Scotland.

£250,000 of funding awards (paid over two years) have also been made available to support the regeneration of Annan by assisting with the delivery of the Annan Action Plan (AAP).

The AAP is designed to develop schemes to help mitigate the impact of job losses caused by the recent announcement of the closure of Young’s Pinney’s seafood processing plants.

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.

Funding to Boost South of Scotland’s Economic Environment

Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing, who announced the funding during a visit to Dumfries College, 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 said: “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.”

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