Eight projects from across the Scottish Borders have been successful in securing funding from the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund, totalling support of £1.34m.
The Community Renewal Fund is an additional £220m funding pot to support local projects, and is a forerunner to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund replaces similar funding that used to be distributed by the European Union.
The Community Renewal Fund was established to support people and communities most in need across the UK through projects seeking to invest in local communities or offer skills or support to improve job opportunities.
Successful projects in the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund for Scottish Borders include:
- £381,821 for Borders College to develop green courses in entrepreneurship and carbon literacy.
- £218,739 for Berwickshire Housing to lead on a mentoring approach to support unemployed and economically inactive social housing residents get into work
- £187,272 to support the development of electric vehicle charging points across the Scottish Borders
- £160,854 for the Scottish Borders Community Development Company (known as The Bridge) for workshops to help communities deliver larger scale projects
- £158,041 for a project to support development of a Mountain Biking Centre in Tweeddale
- £90,739 for a feasibility study to develop an area of land purchased by Newcastleton and District Community Trust
- £82,445 for Archaelogoy Scotland to provide training and heritage focussed activities for marginalised people with the 12 Towers of Rule project
- £57,120 for the Southern Uplands Partnership to scope out energy efficiency training schemes
The Scottish Borders had previously been identified as a priority destination for funding based on an index of economic resilience. This is highlighted in this round of funding with the Scottish Borders receiving the highest number of successful bids in Scotland.
John Lamont MP said:
“This is a major funding boost for the Borders and it is welcome to see the UK Government stepping up to deliver it to local communities.
“There has been a terrific community spirit throughout the pandemic. This £1.3m funding from the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund will help support those most in need and help community projects get off the ground.
“These projects will drive employment opportunities, help create community spaces, and help the Borders to build back greener from the pandemic.
“I look forward to working with other groups from across the Borders to secure funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in the future.”
Rachael Hamilton MSP, added:
“The UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund is another sign of their commitment to supporting the Borders recovery.
“All these projects are hugely ambitious and driven by the people that live in these communities. I applaud all of the successful bids to which will help to rebuild communities right across the Scottish Borders.
“The government has recognised the major potential of these plans from various groups to deliver jobs and grow communities in our area.”
