Rob Davidson, Mark Rowley and Russel Griggs

Team South of Scotland welcomes £2.1m SOSEP funding

Team South of Scotland (Team SOS) has welcomed the announcement today from Scottish Government that 28 projects will benefit from more than £2.1m of Scottish Government funding through the South of Scotland Economic Partnership (SOSEP).

The announcement comes as Team South of Scotland, comprising South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council and other partners continue to work collectively to support the region recover from Covid-19 and look to the future prosperity of the economy.

Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) Professor Russel Griggs OBE said: “This milestone investment comes at a vital time to support our communities and businesses as they look to the future, as we move through the phases of the Route Map loosening lockdown restrictions. 

 “Our predecessor SOSEP worked extensively with a wide range of people and organisations to support their journey from application to approval. We have been able to support a diverse range of projects, each a response to the particular circumstances and opportunities of the South of Scotland, each ambitious for the future. 

“Today’s announcement confirms our commitment to continue to work with communities and businesses across the South of Scotland to support them in their aspirations. As we recover from the impacts of COVID-19, ensuring we remain a region of opportunity.”

Depute Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Rob Davidson, said: “This is welcome news for our area at a time when we are looking ahead at opportunities as well as continuing our extensive work to deal with the ongoing recovery from Covid-19.

“The work of SOSEP to pave the way for the South of Scotland Enterprise certainly brings with it a range of benefits including this much welcomed further funding for a range of projects to help the region prosper into the future.

“I am sure the projects announced today will be delighted with this news as we start to emerge from lockdown and look to the future of our area.”

Councillor Mark Rowley, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Business and Economic Development said: “This is such a crucial time for our region where we are working collectively as Team South of Scotland to support our local businesses to reopen safely and also welcome visitors back to our beautiful region for the benefit of our local economy.

“I welcome this announcement and particularly the strong focus on supporting and developing our tourism offering and exploring exciting new initiatives through the targeted feasibility studies that this funding will provide.

“Our region has ambition, drive and huge potential and Team South of Scotland continues to work together with partners to ensure we do all we can to support businesses and communities recover from Covid-19 as well as ensure our economy prospers into the future.”

The Scottish Government Press Release can be viewed online.