LOCAL MSP John Lamont has visited the Selkirk Regeneration team to hear about their plans for regeneration of the local community.

The group, who have set up a community-based company with charitable status have already begun several projects in and around Selkirk. These include the use of the former Cross Keys pub, which is being managed as a community asset by the SRC and the renovation of 1 Tower Street, which is being used as a pop-up shop or exhibition space.

Mr Lamont MSP said: “I was very pleased to visit the SRC team at the former Cross Keys to hear about the good work they are doing for Selkirk. Their work at the Cross Keys and on Tower Street has already made a big difference to the town centre and I know they are already looking at new projects.

“The last few years have been tough for some of the town centres in the Borders, with many of them seeing a drop in footfall and several shops closing down. Projects like the SRC are doing fantastic work to breathe new life into the Borders and I wish them every success in the future.

“But community groups like this need support from the Scottish Government. What we really need is a town centre regeneration fund that has real bite so it can help turn our high streets into attractive centres for both shoppers and businesses.”