First Minister joins South of Scotland Enterprise to mark five years of significant impact
An estimated 10,000 jobs have been created and safeguarded by South of Scotland Enterprise in its first five years.
The figure is one of a number of statistics highlighting the significant impact of the Scotland’s newest economic and community development agency.
We officially went live in April 2020 after being established by the Scottish Government in recognition of the unique circumstances of the region, and the need for a fresh approach to drive inclusive growth across the area.
First Minister John Swinney visited the award-winning Trimontium Museum in Melrose and Durty Brewing in Innerleithen – two organisations we have supported.
Five year figures
• Immediate impact – played pivotal role during COVID-19, distributing over £26million to a total of 626 businesses, social enterprises and community groups with analysis showing almost 90% that received support are still operating
• Investment unlocked - every £1 we invest results in £5 investment in the region, equating to around £250m over five years.
• Investment – we approved direct grant funding of over £50m to 800 businesses, organisations and community groups, as well as making significant capital investment in projects across the region
• Inward investment – inward investment enquiries have increased by over 400% from businesses looking to invest in the region
• Support – we have become the visible go to place for economic development enquiries – dealing with over 5,000 enquiries from 3,800 different organisations
• Developing entrepreneurship – as a pilot for the Scottish Government’s Pathways programme, over the last eight months we have supported the creation of 100 new businesses
• Innovation and economic growth – we have supported and highlighted new sectoral opportunities like hydrogen and natural capital with focused activity and specific funds
• Regional voice – we have ensured that the opportunities and challenges of the region are better understood by government – responding to around 100 national and regional consultations
Trimontium Museum
We provided £400,000 towards the £1.4million refurbishment of Trimontium Museum, which won Best Visitor Attraction in South Scotland at the 2023 Scottish Thistle Awards and the National Award for Accessibility in 2024.
The facility tells the turbulent story of one of the largest Roman fort sites north of Hadrian's Wall and is the only museum in Scotland dedicated to the Roman and Iron Age era.
Trimontium also received significant support from a number of funders, including Scottish Borders Council’s recent contribution of £64,000 through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Dr John Reid, Chair of Trimontium Museum, said:
“The help Trimontium Museum has received from SOSE has been transformational.
“We have been able to create our fabulous, much-needed, and now much-used, educational facility.
“SOSE’s assistance has also helped lay the foundations for our new virtual reality lab which is proving really popular with visitors and educationalists.”
Durty Brewing
We have also supported Durty Brewing with funding of £63,600 to help purchase its current premises in Innerleithen, as well as providing business advice.
The brewery was inspired by the famous mountain biking trails of the Tweed Valley, and has very strong connections to cycling, events and outdoor activities.
Paul McGreal of Durty Brewing added:
“SOSE support’s was essential in getting Durty Brewing off the ground, especially when circumstances changed around the ownership of our premises.
“Working with the team at SOSE has been great – the processes have been transparent, fair and flexible, and the efficiency the team work with is impressive.
“As a result of the support we have been able to create employment locally, add to the region’s tourist attractions, and, importantly, brew great beer.”
First Minister John Swinney said:
“Since its inception, South of Scotland Enterprise has had a truly transformative impact on businesses and communities across Southern Scotland.
“SOSE has worked tirelessly with local business owners, organisations and community groups to help their projects flourish.
“It has helped galvanise the region, ensuring that Southern Scotland remains an attractive place to visit, to live and to work.
“The Scottish Government is proud to support SOSE’s efforts and I look forward to seeing how the agency goes from strength to strength in the future.”
Chair of SOSE, Russel Griggs OBE, added:
“When we launched in April 2020, we made a promise to the people of the South of Scotland that we would be bold, different, ambitious and would listen.
“We are proud of the support we have provided – from COVID-19 support to creation and safeguarding of jobs to development of entrepreneurship and innovation – and believe it highlights the importance of the South having its own dedicated enterprise agency.
“Moving forward, we will ensure we are adaptive, forward thinking, innovative and responsive to the needs of our fantastic region.”
Chief Executive of SOSE Jane Morrison-Ross said:
“In the time since SOSE was launched, we have all faced a series of unprecedented challenges – the COVID pandemic, the cost of living crisis and geopolitical instability.
“But throughout this turbulent period, the businesses and communities in our rural area of Scotland have shown a vision, ambition and determination that is paying dividends now.
“SOSE’s job in that time has centred on being the catalyst to spark progress – and collectively we have made a significant impact, highlighted by figures such as the 400% increase in inward investment enquiries.
“While there are continued challenges, there are also exciting opportunities ahead for our region, which is, coast to coast, perfectly placed in the middle of the UK.
“Our aim is to continue to work closely with partners, businesses and communities to seize these opportunities, and create the rural economic powerhouse we know the South of Scotland can be.”
Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, added:
“I am immensely proud of our continued support for the Trimontium Museum, a project that not only preserves our rich Roman heritage but also enhances cultural tourism in Melrose.
“Our investment in the Trimontium Museum through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, alongside the significant funding from SOSE, underscores our commitment to celebrating and promoting our historical assets.
“Additionally, the Scottish Borders is rapidly becoming a premier destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. The development of the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre in Innerleithen, supported by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, is a testament to our aspirations to lead in this industry.
Our strategic partnership with SOSE is pivotal in driving economic development across the region. By working together, we are able to deliver transformative projects that boost local economies, create jobs, and enhance connectivity.
“Together, we are building a vibrant, sustainable future for our communities, and a thriving region for residents and visitors alike."