Latest news with #RusselGriggs
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Scotland's Borders Region Closer to Getting Mountain Biking Innovation Center
Scotland's Borders Region Closer to Getting Mountain Biking Innovation Center originally appeared on BikeMag. The South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) has announced plans for a Mountain Bike Innovation Center in Innerleithen that could create more than 400 jobs in the Borders region over the next decade. The multi-million pound center will require the razing of a textile mill building that dates 1788–one of Scotland's oldest industrial buildings still standing. Newer buildings had been added to the site over the centuries, and it was last used in 2011 and has been vacant since. The center will offer design and classroom space for UK and international businesses to create and showcase new mountain biking products in the 'heart of the UK's leading mountain biking destination,' SOSE said. It would also work closely with Edinburgh Napier University, which already has a robust mountain biking program. 'This is another important step forward for the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre project,' said SOSE Chair Russel Griggs, OBE. 'If planning permission is received, the new facility will allow high-value jobs to come to the South of Scotland, maximising the value of mountain biking to the area by getting more products and services designed and made here.' The SOSE has submitted a planning application for approval, and if green-lighted, the center could be operating on the site by 2027. Hope to convert the Caerlee Mill into a modern facility evaporated once structural issues and costs were determined to be prohibitive. The building would be demolished and a new center will be built on the grounds once the proposal is approved. The estimated £19 million ($25.6 million) innovation center will see Scottish, UK and international bike companies develop new mountain bikes and products. Funding is coming from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, a UK government program that supports economic growth and opportunities. £4 million of that total will be used for the Tweed Valley Adventure Bike Park and Trail Lab. According to the SOSE, the mountain bike innovation center is predicted to create £138 million in gross-value-added revenue and create 400 jobs in the next 10 years. It will also host cycling-related academics and research by Edinburgh Napier University. The university is already active in supporting mountain biking development and health research in the region, and hosts the Mountain Bike Centre Scotland. The university is currently hiring for a Mountain Bike Innovation Centre consultant role to interact with the region's growing mountain biking economy. 'The new Mountain Bike Innovation Centre will offer a host of opportunities to make a positive difference to the Scottish cycling sector,' said Professor Nazira Karodia, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Edinburgh Napier University. 'We are pleased to see this latest step in its journey. Edinburgh Napier University has a strong track record of cycling research, innovation and collaboration, and this facility will significantly enhance our capability in these areas. We will continue to work closely with partners to help deliver a leading centre.' This story was originally reported by BikeMag on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Revised plans for Innerleithen mountain bike centre revealed
Revised plans for a multi-million pound mountain bike innovation centre in the Borders have been had initially been hoped that Caerlee Mill in Innerleithen could be converted but severe structural issues and rising costs put an end to that plans to demolish the building - which dates back to 1788 - have been agreed and approval will be sought for a new structure to replace of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) said the project could create more than 400 jobs in the region over 10 years. The old mill is one of the oldest industrial buildings in Scotland but ultimately proved too costly to the £19m project will see a new centre built where it once approved it would allow Scottish, UK and international companies to develop mountain biking and cycling products and scheme will be funded by the UK government as port of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. The project will also host academics and research by Edinburgh Napier University across the cycling would include bike engineering workshop space, brand experience units, events space, offices, meeting rooms and teaching Griggs, who chairs SOSE, said: "This is another important step forward for the mountain bike innovation centre project."If planning permission is received, the new facility will allow high-value jobs to come to the south of Scotland, maximising the value of mountain biking to the area by getting more products and services designed and made here."Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill added: "I welcome this major step forward towards the mountain bike innovation centre in Innerleithen opening for business, bringing jobs and investment to the region and attracting riders from across the country and beyond to a world-class facility."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
New document aims to highlight Dumfries and Galloway housing opportunities
The South of Scotland Housing Prospectus outlines the unique development opportunities in the region A new document aims to highlight the housebuilding opportunities available across Dumfries and Galloway. The South of Scotland Housing Prospectus outlines the unique development opportunities in the region, some of the key sites and the partners who stand ready to help bring forward developments. With an expectation that more than 9,000 new homes may be needed over the next decade, the project aims to encourage housebuilders and developers to gain a foothold in the region. The prospectus has been co-produced by the South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership with independent property specialists Rettie and Co and is a key part of the South of Scotland Housing Action Plan, which the Scottish Government launched last year. Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: 'I'm encouraged by the strong partnership approach in developing the Prospectus to support the delivery of more homes, of all tenures, across the South of Scotland. 'Good quality housing is critical to support health, wellbeing, life chances, job prospects, tackling child poverty and driving economic growth. 'We remain focussed on delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 across Scotland with at least 10% of these in rural and island areas. 'That is why we are investing £768m illion through the affordable housing supply budget this financial year.' South of Scotland Enterprise chairman, Russel Griggs OBE, said: 'Never has there been such an exciting time for the South of Scotland with unprecedented levels of investment paving the way for new jobs, better connecting places and attracting new people to live, work and learn in the south of Scotland. 'This prospectus shows that the south of Scotland is open for business to housing developers. 'The demand for quality homes across all tenures is undeniable, and we look forward to working with developers on this exciting journey.' Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader, Councillor Gail Macgregor added: 'The south of Scotland needs more housing, and this prospectus showcases that the region is a prime location for developers to build homes. 'There is a strong partnership approach and support from regional partners, ensuring the delivery of homes is a priority.'
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership receives new funding from South of Scotland Enterprise
The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership has received a new funding package from South of Scotland Enterprise. The funding will help support a number of projects, including boosting efforts to restore nature at a landscape scale and a red squirrel conservation scheme. The partnership is aiming to deliver new pilot projects that contribute to the Scottish Government's net zero and biodiversity strategies, as well as continue its programme of community and sustainable business development – such as the biosphere certification mark and biosphere communities programme. Chairman of the partnership's board of trustees, John Thomson, said: 'The funding we are acknowledging will help to power the UNESCO biosphere through a critical time. 'We recognise the tight budgetary constraints currently facing both the public and third sectors and against that background are greatly encouraged that South of Scotland Enterprise continues to recognise through its funding support the diverse benefits that UNESCO designation and the GSAB Partnership's activities bring to the region. 'Beyond funding, SOSE has championed the UNESCO biosphere as a driver of investment in South Scotland through sustainable business and tourism, and as a key protection for the natural and cultural heritage on which this depends.' The biosphere partnership also receives core funding from Dumfries and Galloway, South Ayrshire and East Ayrshire Councils and as a registered Scottish charity also raises funds from grants, donations and legacies. A previous funding award from SOSE in 2020 allowed the partnership to raise the area's profile through programme such as the Heart of the Biosphere documentary and Merrick Scottish Blackface Knitwear. South of Scotland Enterprise chairman, Russel Griggs OBE, said: 'We are delighted to be one of the funders supporting the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, a proven asset for the region and one with huge potential still to be explored. 'We are particularly excited for the next phase of the biosphere's work in net zero and nature recovery as part of Scotland's Natural Capital Innovation Zone, which brings such immense scope for progress not only in policy and strategy but for grassroots action through which the whole of the South can truly thrive.' Biosphere director, Ed Forrest, added: 'The support of SOSE both as a funder and as partner in the development and delivery of shared objectives within the UNESCO biosphere will be transformative in empowering our delivery programme, particularly with the renewed focus on natural capital and nature recovery. 'The value of working in partnership with the public sector, businesses, landowners and communities is integral to achieving success in our pursuit of a better future for people and nature in our UNESCO biosphere.'
