A number of local organisations have been successful in securing funding from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund
The fund, which forms part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, aims to improve pride in local places and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and local businesses and by developing people and skills.
Successful applicants
Gunsgreen House Trust has been successful in securing £45,000 to take the first step to improving the visitor experience following the completion of comprehensive feasibility work.
The Oxton War Memorial Hall has received £60,000 to help renovate the village hall, transforming it into a village hub and incorporating a shop and communal workspace. This project aims to provide a space for those who cannot work from their own home, whilst also expanding capacity for community events.
The Haining Charitable Trust has received £287,000 to help complete refurbishments to the ground floor of Haining House. This will allow the house to host community and visitor events, whilst enhancing the sustainability of the building and assisting the whole regeneration process of this community asset.
Borders College secured £224,161 for three projects which will increase employability opportunities for those out of work, boost skills for local businesses and allow feasibility work to help meet the growing demand for land-based skills to be undertaken.
Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce has been awarded £108,761 to help enhance the support to local businesses throughout the Scottish Borders and to help grow the network.
Grant funding will also support the opening of a base for local entrepreneurs within the new Hawick Business Centre, the creation of a community garden in Kelso, and the piloting of a rural taxi bus project in Selkirk, Jedburgh and Newcastleton.
A full list of successful local applications is available.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Community and Business Development
“It is great to see that so many more Scottish Borders organisations have been successful in their award applications.
“The continued investment into our local communities is a key contribution to the ongoing success of local infrastructure development for the years ahead.
“If you have a project which you feel may be suitable for the Shared Prosperity Fund or any of the other funds on offer then I encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest form.”
Find out more about some of the opportunities available and access an expression of interest form.