A group of experts from the private and third sectors have been appointed to the Regional Enterprise Council, the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal has announced.

The City Region Deal is a £1.3bn investment over the next 15 years designed to accelerate economic growth and create inclusive opportunities across the region. The UK and Scottish Governments have partnered with Midlothian, the City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Fife, Scottish Borders and West Lothian councils to deliver the Deal, along with Edinburgh's universities, colleges, businesses and third sectors.

The new Regional Enterprise Council includes individuals from small, medium and large organisations who will advise the Deal's decision-making body, the Joint Committee, on the delivery of projects across the region. The membership will also be responsible for developing closer working between the public, private and third sectors and championing the City Region Deal nationally and internationally to encourage investment.

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Leeann Dempster, the Chief Executive of Hibernian Football Club, has been named Chair of the Council. Claire Pattullo of Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network will serve as Vice Chair. The other members, who have been chosen to reflect the diverse economic make-up of the South East of Scotland, are: Ewan Aitken, Cyrenians; Robert Carr, Anderson Strathern; Stephen Drost, Codebase; Steve Dunlop, Scottish Enterprise; Gavin Hamilton, Taylor Wimpey; Stephen Ingledew, Fintech Scotland; Nile Istephan, Eildon Housing Association; Angela Leitch, East Lothian Council; Polly Purvis, Scotland IS; David Thomson, Food & Drink Federation Scotland, and Damien Yeates, Skills Development Scotland.

Welcoming the appointment of the new Regional Enterprise Council, Midlothian Council Leader, Councillor Derek Milligan, said: "The City Region Deal has the potential to deliver new employment, housing, infrastructure and training opportunities which will benefit Midlothian and the wider region," said Councillor Milligan.

"The appointment of this skilled and experienced group of business and third sector leaders will help the Deal partners deliver inclusive economic growth and encourage greater investment in the region."