Proposals to revitalise nine towns across the south of Scotland have moved a step closer following the publication of plans developed by volunteer-led town teams.

The groups are now refining their proposals and drafting business cases ahead of final funding decisions under a £20 million Scottish Government investment within the Borderlands Place Programme. Ideas range from a new promenade and indoor family attractions in Stranraer to a town-centre regeneration in Galashiels delivering social housing and retail space.

During a visit to Galashiels town centre ahead of the Convention of the South of Scotland, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes toured MacArts, a music and arts venue being considered for support. She said: "These proposals are an important step forward for towns across the south of Scotland. Local volunteers have worked hard to develop these plans and this £20 million investment aims to create hundreds of jobs, attract thousands of visitors and generate tens of millions of pounds for the Borderlands economy.

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"Galashiels' revitalisation over the past decade demonstrates the benefits of giving communities the tools and resources to shape their own future. In addition to this, as part of our draft Budget for 2026-27 we have allocated £47 million towards community-led regeneration across Scotland."

Laurence Reid, Director of MacArts, said: "It's exciting to see so much ambition for Galashiels and towns across the south of Scotland, building on the work of the Town Teams and local people as well as the success of the Borders Railway and the Great Tapestry of Scotland Museum.

"This potential funding could be the catalyst for future investment, helping secure the future of a vibrant world-class cultural hub in the Scottish Borders."

Around 30 projects across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders are expected to receive backing through the Borderlands Growth Deal’s Place Programme, with completion anticipated by 2031. Place plans, prepared by town teams made up of local volunteers and supported by council officers, elected members and South of Scotland Enterprise, are available from the Scottish Borders Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council websites. Funding decisions on individual business cases are due in the coming months.