Galashiels put in minister’s spotlight

The new leader of Scottish Borders Council, Galashiels & District councillor Euan Jardine, yesterday, Tuesday, May 31, welcomed the visit of Tom Arthur MSP, minister for public finance, planning and community wealth.

Mr Jardine said he was proud to showcase to the minister the regeneration work ongoing in the town.

He said: “From the establishment of the Great Tapestry of Scotland Visitor Centre with Live Borders to the incredible community-led work being delivered by Energise Galashiels Trust, the town really is becoming a fantastic example of regeneration in action.

“I’d like to put on record my thanks to all the partners involved in this work over a number of years, including the Scottish Government, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scotland’s Town Partnership, Energise Galashiels and Galashiels Community Council.

“This council is committed to building on these efforts and investments, both in Galashiels and our town centres and communities. This includes making our own investments into projects and programmes, maximising the opportunities of external grants, and working with communities and partners to make our towns as thriving and sustainable as possible.”

Mr Arthur said: “The Scottish Government launched this joint response to the Town Centre Action Plan Review in Galashiels to demonstrate our shared commitment with local government to supporting vital local economies through cost of living and pandemic recovery challenges.

“These actions will help improve town centres in the south of Scotland and across the country. They will help deliver net zero climate ambitions whilst, in partnership with local government, promoting better planning and delivering enhanced digital capabilities for businesses and residents.

“This approach will also help us deliver entrepreneurship ambitions set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation by creating enterprising communities.

“Scotland has been identified as fast becoming a global leader in Community Wealth Building. The Scottish Government will introduce legislation on Community Wealth Building during this term of the Scottish Parliament to support transformation of our local economies.”