A £50,000 fund to help local groups and communities across the region celebrate the return of the railway in September will be launched today (Thursday) by Scottish Borders Council.

The cash will be used to support a range of events, including trips, open days and street parties along with lasting legacy projects, including railway-themed improvements to public spaces and playparks which must be fully completed by March 31 next year.

Typical grants under the scheme will be for a few hundred pounds, but awards of up to a maximum of £2,500 are available.

“To encourage as many people as possible to get involved in the celebrations from across the whole Borders area, the fund will be open to all non-profit making voluntary and community organisations including community councils, schools, public bodies and places of worship,” explains SBC’s funding and projects officer Jean Robertson in a report to tomorrow’s full council meeting.

The Borders Railway Celebration Fund has been established from savings accrued by the council following the abandonment of local police and fire boards in 2013.

Application form will be available to be downloaded from the council website from tomorrow and bidding groups can expect a decision within three weeks. The deadline for applications is December 15, 2015.

Mrs Roberston stressed that the council would not fund individuals, organisations involved in party political activites, commercial concerns, the purchase of alcohol, gifts or prizes for individuals and applications from one organisation on behalf of another.

The fund will also not be available for projects on which money has already been spent.