BUSINESSES in Hawick are to benefit from a new £3.6m fund awarded by the Scottish Government.

The fund will support a local action plan to "encourage start-ups and retain growing business in the town".

MSP John Lamont has welcomed this funding and is urging the Scottish Government to invest it wisely. He has called for it to be used to establish an Enterprise Zone for the town.

John Lamont MSP said: “This money is really good news for Hawick and is a very welcome announcement. Now we need to make sure it goes to good use. I want the Scottish Government and Scottish Borders Council to be bold, to invest this money wisely and use it for something co-ordinated.

 “I strongly believe the best way to attract new businesses to the region is to create an Enterprise Zone in Hawick.

 “In the North of England these zones have created over 8,000 jobs and millions of pounds of private investment, by offering incentives to new businesses such as lower business rates and better broadband. An Enterprise Zone is the best way to ensure that this funding maximises the benefit for the wider community and existing businesses.”