The Scottish Borders is set to receive a significant boost to its regeneration efforts, with the announcement of projects to be funded by the £20 million Community Regeneration Partnership.

Following the allocation of the UK Government funding, previously known as the Levelling Up Fund, and a period of data gathering, the specific initiatives across the region have now been revealed.

The programme aims to address regional inequalities by investing in infrastructure, economic development, and community projects. It is anticipated that approximately £4 million will be invested in each of the key border towns of Eyemouth, Hawick, Jedburgh, and Galashiels, with a similar amount allocated to other projects across the wider region. The overarching goals of the initiative include stimulating local economies, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing connectivity within the Scottish Borders.

Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the projects, stating: "I am delighted to announce that significant regeneration projects will be taking place in our key borderlands towns, Eyemouth, Hawick, Jedburgh and Galashiels.” 

The projects identified for each town include:

Eyemouth:

• Development of a masterplan for the Eyemouth Harbour area, including technical surveys. 

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• Design and construction of new business units at Eyemouth Harbour.

• Feasibility and design work for a proposed new family centre.

Hawick:

• Project to identify and upgrade suitable brownfield sites.

• Detailed survey to assess costs for upgrading existing housing stock in Burnfoot. 

• Upgrading the Roxburgh & Berwickshire Citizens Advice Bureau offices to improve energy efficiency and customer experience. 

Jedburgh:

• Restoration and upgrading of the Jedburgh Bakery Building.

• Purchase of 3-5 Exchange Street.

• Feasibility study for a streetscape project on the High Street to enhance the town centre and pedestrian facilities. 

Galashiels:

• Feasibility and design work for a potential hotel development.

• Provision for a wider footbridge connecting the town centre with Borders College, Heriot-Watt University, and Tweedbank Railway Station. 

• Retrofitting and regeneration of Croft Street.

• Upgrading Citizen Advice Bureau offices to improve energy efficiency and customer experience. 

In addition to the town-specific projects, funding will also be allocated to initiatives across the broader Scottish Borders region, including:

• Development of the Crook Inn Bunkhouse in Tweedsmuir, linked to the Destination Tweed Trail. 

• Opening the River Tweed Trail Neidpath Tunnel, including upgrading an existing bridge. 

• Purchase of buses and coaches to improve public transport services, with provision for driver recruitment. 

• Installation of digital display boards at key bus stops.

• Improved bus shelter and waiting facilities at Borders General Hospital. 

• A Scottish Borders Community Spaces Decarbonisation project to support energy-saving initiatives for community buildings. 

• A grant fund for the Youth Local Action Group to develop youth facilities.

• Capacity support for communities to aid in the development of capital investment projects.

The Community Regeneration Partnership emphasises collaborative working between the local authority, businesses, and communities. Councillor Jardine added: "Other projects which will have a positive impact across the Borders are also being funded which include improved public transport, youth facilities and support for energy savings projects for community buildings."

The council has stated it is working closely with local partners and communities to develop delivery plans for these projects.