Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has announced the next phase of a £1.57million Hawick Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), with a new round of grant funding opening.

The latest round of funding for building repairs and improvements through the scheme can provide up to £15,000 of eligible project costs. Applications are open until 31 May 2021.

A spokesperson from SBC said: "We have a new project team in place to lead the scheme, which has been funded by Historic Environment Scotland, ourselves and the South of Scotland Economic Partnership, which paved the way for South of Scotland Enterprise.

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"In conjunction with private sector investment in building repairs, the direct spend through the scheme will be more than £2m.

"Originally a five-year programme, it has been extended by a year until 31 March 2025 due to the impact of COVID-19. The scheme has already helped to deliver a number of improvements in the town.

"These include works to three properties on the High Street, which has resulted in roof and masonry works, joinery repairs and external decoration.

"Six priority buildings, identified by the community-led Hawick CARS Steering Group during the bid process have been included in the work programme, with a total budget of over £627k allocated to support traditional building repairs."

Grant funding totalling £450k is also available for other town centre property owners to undertake traditional building repairs.