A NEW fund has been launched to support small festivals and events in the Borders.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has launched the Community Festivals and Events Small Grant Scheme in a bid to encourage new and existing events to develop their plans to bring as many people to the region as possible.

Organisations and groups can apply for grant funding of between £3,000 and £5,000.

The funding can be used to help cover the costs of a new event, or existing small festivals and events can expand their plans and offer innovative enhancements to highlight the Borders.

Councillor Scott Hamilton, executive member for community and business development, said: “I am delighted that we’re able to launch this new fund, which will hopefully result in some new events and festivals being developed, and allow existing ones to grow and become more sustainable, financially and environmentally.

“We already have a fantastic calendar of events and festivals in the Scottish Borders which support the local economy, generate lots of community involvement and engagements and attract visitors, and it will be great to see that grow further.”

The Community Festivals and Events Small Grant Scheme is in addition to the Local Festival Grant Scheme which supports bigger festivals in the Borders – those receiving funding through the Local Festival Grant Scheme are not eligible for the new, smaller scheme.

For more information, including a scheme application form and guidance, visit the SBC website.