Friday January 23rd 2026
Proposals under consideration include a town centre regeneration project providing social housing and retail space in Galashiels.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Efforts to regenerate nine towns in the south of Scotland have taken a major step forward with the publication of proposals developed by volunteer-led teams.
Town teams are now refining their ideas and preparing business cases ahead of final funding decisions as part of a £20 million Scottish Government investment.
Proposals under consideration range from a promenade and indoor family attractions in Stranraer to a town centre regeneration project providing social housing and retail space in Galashiels.
On a visit to Galashiels town centre ahead of the Convention of the South of Scotland, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes toured MacArts, a music and arts venue being considered for funding. She said:
“These proposals are an important step forward for towns across the south of Scotland. Local volunteers have worked hard to develop these plans and this £20 million investment aims to create hundreds of jobs, attract thousands of visitors and generate tens of millions of pounds for the Borderlands economy.
“Galashiels’ revitalisation over the past decade demonstrates the benefits of giving communities the tools and resources to shape their own future. In addition to this, as part of our draft Budget for 2026-27 we have allocated £47 million towards community-led regeneration across Scotland.”
Laurence Reid, Director of MacArts, said:
“It’s exciting to see so much ambition for Galashiels and towns across the south of Scotland, building on the work of the Town Teams and local people as well as the success of the Borders Railway and the Great Tapestry of Scotland Museum.
“This potential funding could be the catalyst for future investment, helping secure the future of a vibrant world-class cultural hub in the Scottish Borders.”
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