GROUPS working to transform towns and neighbourhoods across the Borders are being urged to apply to a new multi-million pound fund.

The Scottish Government has revealed details of the £10 million Scotland Loves Local Fund, a multi-year support scheme which aims to encourage people to think local first, supporting businesses and enterprises in their community.

The programme will provide match funding of between £5,000 and £25,000 for projects run by groups such as town centre partnerships, chambers of commerce, community and charity trusts. 

Last year, an initial Scotland Loves Local Fund to help with immediate issues caused by the pandemic saw a number of projects in the region benefit.

They included shop local campaigns in Galashiels and Peebles, a grant towards a new electric buggy to support the work of Coldstream Gateway Association and a streetscape scheme by Selkirk Means Business.

Administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) eligible projects could include community shops, marketing and digital schemes, or enabling larger construction project delivery. 

STP chief officer Phil Prentice said: “Over the coming years, this significant commitment from the Scottish Government will make a real difference - empowering communities to take action that will make their areas fairer, greener and more successful. 

“We are delighted to be working with ministers to deliver this.

“This funding will unlock the great potential of our towns and neighbourhoods, allowing them not just to recover from the impact of COVID-19, but to create a stronger, more sustainable future which has localism at its heart.

“I would encourage interested organisations across the Borders to get their applications in.”

More details about the Scotland Loves Local campaign – and how to apply to the new fund – can be found at www.lovelocal.scot.