£20 million for Scottish towns

£20 million will be invested into towns in southern Scotland to create jobs and drive growth.

Nine towns have published proposals developed by volunteer-led teams. Ideas and business cases are now being defined ahead of funding decisions.

Proposals include a promenade and indoor family attractions in Stranraer and a town centre regeneration project providing social housing and retail space in Galashiels.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited MacArts, a music and arts venue being considered for funding in Galashiels.

She said: "These proposals are an important step forward for towns across the south of Scotland. Local volunteers have worked hard to develop these plans and this £20 million investment aims to create hundreds of jobs, attract thousands of visitors and generate tens of millions of pounds for the Borderlands economy.

"Galashiels' revitalisation over the past decade demonstrates the benefits of giving communities the tools and resources to shape their own future. In addition to this, as part of our draft Budget for 2026-27 we have allocated £47 million towards community-led regeneration across Scotland."

Laurence Reid, Director of MacArts, said: "It's exciting to see so much ambition for Galashiels and towns across the south of Scotland, building on the work of the Town Teams and local people as well as the success of the Borders Railway and the Great Tapestry of Scotland Museum.

"This potential funding could be the catalyst for future investment, helping secure the future of a vibrant world-class cultural hub in the Scottish Borders."