Economic Development
Our Economic Development team, part of Resilient Communities, is dedicated to fostering economic growth and resilience across the Scottish Borders.
Our mission aligns with the Regional Economic Strategy and the Council Plan, aiming to deliver substantial economic benefits regionwide. Our Officers develop and deliver impactful projects and programs.
We actively apply for and administer funding from both UK and Scottish Government, ensuring that our initiatives produce measurable economic impacts and benefits throughout the Scottish Borders.
Our current major funding streams include:
Current Investments
The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is a cross-border agreement involving multiple local. With a total investment of £452 million, it aims to address socio-economic challenges by narrowing the productivity gap, increasing the working-age population, and achieving inclusive growth.
Specific projects include the Borderlands Place Programme, which targets investment in Eyemouth, Galashiels, Hawick, and Jedburgh to enhance property development, arts and cultural facilities, and affordable housing.
Levelling Up
Scottish Borders Council has received substantial funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, including £4,662,000 in capital investment for the Three Rivers Active Tourism Project and £20 million in capital investment for the Community Regeneration Partnership, along with an additional £250,000 in revenue capacity support for the implementation of these projects.
These funds are allocated to support 23 projects aimed at developing the Scottish Borders. These investments are set to bring transformative changes to the Scottish Borders, fostering economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Community-led Local Development Fund
The Scottish Borders Local Action Group (LAG) received funding from the Scottish Government for the 2024-25 period. The scheme focused on projects addressing Net Zero, Poverty Alleviation, and Inclusive Growth, with grants of up to £20,000 available. Further funding from the Scottish Government is anticipated, but details have not yet been released. To see which projects were supported in the 2024-25 financial period please visit this page.
Shared Prosperity Fund
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) aimed to support the levelling up of all parts of the UK by boosting productivity, pay, jobs, and living standards, as well as improving public services and empowering communities. The Scottish Borders secured just over £5 million for the period 2022-2025 to invest in four key areas: Community and Place, Supporting Local Business, People and Skills, and Multiply.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund is now open to Expressions of Interest.
You can download a UK Shared Prosperity Fund Expression of Interest Form on our website.