More than £7 million has been awarded to four key economic projects across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders.

The South of Scotland Economic Partnership (SOSEP) awarded £7.68 million to provide careers opportunities and support the south of Scotland's economy.

Around £6.6 million of the funding has been awarded to a project from Borders College and Dumfries and Galloway College.

It involves the creation of a physical and digital hub network to provide better access to training in health and social care, renewable energy, engineering and construction across the South of Scotland.

Announcing the funding during a visit to Dumfries College, Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing said: "This is a clear statement of the Scottish Government's intent to grow and regenerate the economy in the South of Scotland.

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"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."

Other projects receiving funding include the regeneration of Annan, the creation of a centre of excellence for training in textiles in Hawick, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise's Strengthening Communities Programme.

SOSEP's Professor Russell Griggs OBE added: "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."

(CM/LM)