A number of community projects in the Scottish Borders region are to benefit from a share of £136,000, thanks to the Scottish Borders Sustainable Development Fund from SSE.

The Sustainable Development Fund is funded by community benefit payment's from the utility provider's onshore wind farms in the area, and applications are open to all non-profit making organisations, community groups and charities.

The fund aims to support projects that will enhance Scotland's natural and built environment for the benefit of local people and the attraction of visitors.

From this round of funding, eight tourism-focused initiatives will benefit. The projects include £30,000 going towards a new footpath which will be created around Williestruther Loch, near Hawick. The project, led by Hawick Community Council, will see the installation of new boardwalks, viewing platforms, information boards, picnic areas and an eight-berth car park.

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Other projects include a £35,000 award to the Ettrick and Yarrow Community Company to help launch their St Mary's Loch circular pathway development and £20,000 to the Eyemouth Community Trust to convert an old fish market into a community and visitor event space. Another £20,000 was granted to the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys Tourism Group to employ a new Tourism Promotion Officer and £13,000 was awarded towards a major renovation of the Currie Hall in Lilliesleaf.

Alan Young, SSE's Managing Director Corporate Affairs, said: "SSE is a responsible developer of renewable energy schemes and that means helping communities that host our renewable developments realise social and economic benefits that will sustain over time.

"In the case of the Scottish Borders, the Sustainable Development Fund provides the ability to support larger projects that have a greater long-term impact particularly for the visitor economy."

Paula McDonald, Visit Scotland Regional Director, said: "The investment being made in these excellent projects in Hawick, Ettrick and Yarrow Valley, and Eyemouth will enable infrastructure enhancements which will greatly support the development of nature-based tourism in these areas and attract visitors.

"We are delighted that SSE is demonstrating such a supportive strategy towards tourism projects through its Scottish Borders Sustainable Development Fund to deliver real economic benefits to the region."

(JP/IT)