Four priority towns in the Scottish Borders are set to receive a significant boost, with more than £7 million earmarked for their development and renewal under the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

Eyemouth, Galashiels, Hawick, and Jedburgh will benefit from the Place Programme, a central component of this cross-border agreement designed to address socio-economic challenges, narrow the productivity gap, and foster inclusive growth across the Borderlands region, which also includes Dumfries and Galloway, Cumbria, and Northumberland.

The funding aims to enhance the vitality and long-term sustainability of these towns, transforming them into thriving hubs for local communities and businesses. The Place Plans for Eyemouth, Galashiels, and Jedburgh received endorsement at the Borderlands Partnership Board meeting on Wednesday, 25 June 2025.

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It is anticipated that the Place Programme funding in the Scottish Borders will be available for projects from April 2027. This timeline is intended to allow for comprehensive planning and collaboration among various stakeholders, ensuring that projects stemming from the community-led Place Plans are well-developed, sustainable, and robust before construction or implementation begins.

Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, highlighted the transformative potential: "The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is a transformative initiative that will address the socio-economic challenges in our region. With £7.2 million allocated for the development of Eyemouth, Galashiels, Hawick, and Jedburgh, we are committed to achieving inclusive growth and enhancing the quality of life for our communities."

Councillor Hamilton further emphasised the community-led nature of the plans: "The community-led Place Plans and the forthcoming Town Investment Plans will ensure that the aspirations of our residents are at the heart of this development."

The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal represents an ambitious initiative that aims to prioritise the needs of residents in regional development, focusing on delivering tangible benefits that improve the quality of life across the entire Borderlands region. The upcoming projects will likely involve a range of infrastructure, public realm, and building regeneration works within these four key towns.