Engagement tour to discuss future of South of Scotland economy

Over 20 villages and towns across the region will be visited by South of Scotland Enterprise as part of their first ever engagement tour this winter.

‘Your South of Scotland’ is open to everyone in the region to meet SOSE’s Chair, Professor Russel Griggs OBE, and Chief Executive Jane Morrison-Ross at one of 24 dates between November 2021 and March 2022.

The sessions, which began in Dumfries on Monday 8 November, will allow businesses, social enterprises, community groups and the general public to give their views on what their priorities should be for the local economy.

This feedback will also help shape their first ever three year Action Plan – a vital strategy which will set out priorities and ambitions for the region.

‘Your South of Scotland’ will also allow to report back on how previous engagement has helped shape SOSE's initial focus and highlight some of the work and the difference its support has made to the South.

All venues used during ‘Your South of Scotland’ engagement tour will be COVID-safe, with booking required in advance. 

For those unable to attend, there will be two virtual sessions held, with one of the physical events expected to also be streamed over SOSE’s social media channels.

Each event will run from 6.45pm to 8pm:

Phase one

• Monday 8 November – Dumfries, Cairndale Hotel - https://sosedumfries.eventbrite.co.uk
• Tuesday 9 November – Sanquhar, A’ the Airts - https://sosesanquhar.eventbrite.co.uk
• Monday 15 November – Hawick, Heart of Hawick - https://sosehawick.eventbrite.co.uk
• Tuesday 16 November – Newcastleton, Village Hall - https://sosenewcastleton.eventbrite.co.uk
• Thursday 18 November – Kirkcudbright, The Johnston -  https://sosekirkcudbright.eventbrite.co.uk
• Tuesday 23 November – Gretna, Smiths at Gretna Green Hotel - https://sosegretna.eventbrite.co.uk
• Wednesday 24 November – Stranraer, North West Castle Hotel - https://sosestranraer.eventbrite.co.uk
• Thursday 25 November – Balmaclellan, The Smiddy - https://sosebalmaclellan.eventbrite.co.uk
• Monday 29 November – Eyemouth, The Hippodrome - https://soseeyemouth.eventbrite.co.uk
• Tuesday 30 November – West Linton, Newlands Centre - https://sosewestlinton.eventbrite.co.uk
• Wednesday 1 December – Jedburgh, Jed-Forest Rugby Club - https://sosejedburgh.eventbrite.co.uk
• Monday 6 December – Coldstream, Community Centre - https://sosecoldstream.eventbrite.co.uk
• Wednesday 8 December – Virtual online event – https://soseonline.eventbrite.co.uk

Phase two

• Monday 24 January – Newton Stewart, Creebridge House Hotel - https://sosenewtonstewart.eventbrite.co.uk
• Wednesday 26 January – Galashiels, Kingsknowes Hotel - https://sosegalashiels.eventbrite.co.uk
• Thursday 27 January – Peebles, The Hydro - https://sosepeebles.eventbrite.co.uk
• Monday 31 January – Virtual online event - https://soseonline2.eventbrite.co.uk
• Tuesday 1 February – Langholm, Buccleuch Centre - https://soselangholm.eventbrite.co.uk
• Tuesday 8 February – Kelso, Rugby Club - https://sosekelso.eventbrite.co.uk
• Wednesday 9 February – Duns, A Heart for Duns - https://soseduns.eventbrite.co.uk
• Thursday 10 February – Selkirk, Ettrick Riverside - https://soseselkirk.eventbrite.co.uk
• Tuesday 22 February – Moffat, Town Hall - https://sosemoffat.eventbrite.co.uk
• Wednesday 23 February – Whithorn, South Macars Community Centre - https://sosewhithorn.eventbrite.co.uk
• Monday 28 February – New Galloway, Catstrand - https://sosenewgalloway.eventbrite.co.uk
• Tuesday 1 March – Castle Douglas, Community Centre – https://sosecastledouglas.eventbrite.co.uk
• Wednesday 2 March – Gatehouse of Fleet, Mill on the Fleet - https://sosegatehouseoffleet.eventbrite.co.uk

Chief Executive Jane Morrison-Ross said

“We are very proud of our achievements to date, which include approving funding totalling around £28million to more than 620 local businesses, organisations and community groups, and assisting over 700 clients through one to one, tailored advice and support during 2020/21.

“Now we are firmly focused on the future and our ongoing plans to listen, be innovative, different and deliver for the South of Scotland.

“These engagement sessions are crucial to achieving these aims and helping to ensure your South of Scotland earns a reputation as a centre of opportunity, innovation and growth.

“I would encourage all those who live, work and care about the South to engage with us, either through attending one of our 24 dates or one of our virtual sessions.”

Chair Professor Russel Griggs said

“Your views helped shape South of Scotland Enterprise as we were established on 1 April 2020.

“Since then, SOSE have spoken to thousands of people across the region to discuss ideas, offer advice and provide support, and now for the first time the people of the South of Scotland have the opportunity to engage with us in-person.

“Jane and I would love to hear your views and get your feedback on our work so far, and what should be our priorities going forward.

“Our message – as it has been since day one of SOSE – is please come and talk to us.”

Visit South of Scotland Enterprise's website here for more information.