The Scottish Borders will benefit from nearly £1.7 million in funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for 2025–26, drawn from a one-year transitional fund approved by the UK Government following the success of the previous three-year program. Twenty-six projects across the region will receive support, with more than £1.1 million allocated to ten strategic initiatives designed to generate significant economic impact and skills development both now and in the future. The remaining funding has been distributed to projects aligned with the fund’s three key themes: Communities and Place, Supporting Local Business, and People and Skills.
Among the funded initiatives, the Scottish Borders Local Employability Partnership has received £335,000 to advance employability skills and support individuals moving towards employment across the region. Scottish Cycling was awarded £80,001 to maintain two full-time posts providing specialist support to local businesses, communities, and education providers focused on mountain biking. The Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce secured £80,000 to continue its business development and support services for local enterprises.
Youth and creative initiatives are also benefiting from the fund. Cheviot Youth received nearly £40,000 for a six-month youth work program engaging 200 young people in Kelso, while Real Wood Studios CIC was granted £38,540 to develop a ‘Centre for Wood,’ providing a co-working space to nurture a new generation of young creatives in the Borders. Additionally, £260,000 has been allocated to provide consultancy support for the progression of place and town investment plans, with the potential to attract significant external funding for future projects.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, highlighted that the funding reflects the vision and ambition of organisations across the Scottish Borders. He emphasized that the investment will help new projects launch, sustain existing initiatives, and support further development, ultimately benefiting young people, local businesses, and communities throughout the region.
