Councils sign up for Borderlands growth deal

A multi-million pound investment scheme for southern Scotland and northern England has reached an important milestone.

The Scottish and UK governments, along with five cross border councils, have signed 'heads of terms' for the Borderlands growth deal.

Funding of up to £350m has been confirmed for the region, covering Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, Northumberland, Cumbria and Carlisle City councils. with a further top up of £45m.

Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson and Scottish Secretary David Mundell signed the document along with representatives from each of the councils. It is hoped that the funding will create five and a half thousand jobs in the region.

Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson MSP said: "Alongside the establishment of a new enterprise agency for the south of Scotland, and activities of the South of Scotland Economic Partnership, the Scottish government's £85m investment will deliver significant and lasting benefits right across the region."

You can view the Borderlands Growth Deal Heads of Terms in full here.

New report

In another boost for the Scottish Borders, a report commissioned by the Scottish government has outlined how a new enterprise agency can rejuvinate the economy of the region.

Recommendations in the independent study include extending the Borders Railway, attracting young people, better tourism promotion, more charging points for electric vehicles and an improved bus network.

These changes would tackle the region's barriers to growth, identified as a limited labour pool, shortage of skills and poor transport.

The independent report 'Business-Led Inclusive Job Growth in the South of Scotland' was produced by The Good Economy in partnership with the Edinburgh-based Ethical Finance Hub.