Latest news with #SouthofScotlandEnterprise
Daily Record
a day 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.'
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
We bought woodland where we walk our dogs for £900k
A group of dog walkers in the Borders have bought their local woodland after raising almost £900,000. Fears were growing that Broughtonknowe would be taken over by a commercial timber company after it was put on the market in 2023. But locals managed to raise the asking price to secure the 56-hectare (140-acre) forest, between Peebles and Biggar, ahead of last month's deadline. Fundraiser John Hart said: "It's almost unbelievable that we have raised the money and are now the owners." The woodland at Broughtonknowe had been operating for about 40 years as a commercial forest. Several footpaths and an access road had been maintained to encourage wildlife lovers and dog walkers to enjoy the scenery. During lockdown several of the regular dog walkers teamed up with the owner, Christopher Lambton, to create Friends of Broughtonknowe. For a couple of years they introduced more pathways, created wildlife ponds, built a bird hide and developed picnic areas. But ill-health led the owner to announce his intention to sell in 2023. Mr Hart added: "When Christopher became unwell and decided the woodland had to go on the market, my heart dropped. "Throughout lockdown Broughtonknowe was where we could go for a walk, and we all became really attached to the place." As well as large areas of commercial softwoods, such as Sitka spruce and larch, the vast hillside forest also has areas of native broadleaf trees, such as ash, aspen, oak and sycamore. Willow, rowan and holly have also more recently been planted around the growing number of ponds and viewpoints. The small friends group managed to rally wider support from across Peeblesshire as it set about raising the £875,000 asking price. With support from the Scottish Land Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise and SSE Renewables - as well as crowdfunding and private donations - the newly formed charity, Broughtonknowe Community Woodland (BCW), reached its target. Charity secretary Alastair Leaver said: "We feared that if we were unable to purchase Broughtonknowe a commercial forester would come in and the whole woodland would be turned over to Sitka spruce. "If that had happened, all the wildlife would be ruined and our enjoyment of the place would have been over. "It's been a challenging time trying to raise the money, but there has been a lot of enthusiasm from across the community." Although the sale has just been completed, the new owners already have plans to further improve biodiversity across the woodland. They are also throwing out an invitation for other groups to enjoy the forest. Chair of the group, Ian Brook, believes Broughtonknowe was worth fighting for. He said: "This place is loved by the community - there can be a dozen cars in the car park yet you walk for over an hour without seeing another soul. "At the same time, it is used for people coming together - whether it's wellbeing groups, yoga or education - and we hope even more groups can come and enjoy what is here. "We will make sure, though, that nature is in control, not any timber companies." Although BCW only has a five-strong board, the charity is supported by 140 members. Since the recent completion of the purchase, bee hives have been introduced and fruit trees have been planted. Over the coming weeks a new shelter will be built and an area has been earmarked for up to 50 hazel trees. Local councillor Viv Thomson said: "This really is a fairytale that's come true. "It would have been devastating if Broughtonknowe had become a commercial forest." Dog walkers poised to purchase £900,000 woodland
BBC News
04-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Broughton dog walkers raise £900,000 to buy their local forest
A group of dog walkers in the Borders have bought their local woodland after raising almost £900, were growing that Broughtonknowe would be taken over by a commercial timber company after it was put on the market in locals managed to raise the asking price to secure the 56-hectare (140-acre) forest, between Peebles and Biggar, ahead of last month's John Hart said: "It's almost unbelievable that we have raised the money and are now the owners." The woodland at Broughtonknowe had been operating for about 40 years as a commercial footpaths and an access road had been maintained to encourage wildlife lovers and dog walkers to enjoy the lockdown several of the regular dog walkers teamed up with the owner, Christopher Lambton, to create Friends of a couple of years they introduced more pathways, created wildlife ponds, built a bird hide and developed picnic ill-health led the owner to announce his intention to sell in 2023. Mr Hart added: "When Christopher became unwell and decided the woodland had to go on the market, my heart dropped."Throughout lockdown Broughtonknowe was where we could go for a walk, and we all became really attached to the place."As well as large areas of commercial softwoods, such as Sitka spruce and larch, the vast hillside forest also has areas of native broadleaf trees, such as ash, aspen, oak and rowan and holly have also more recently been planted around the growing number of ponds and viewpoints. The small friends group managed to rally wider support from across Peeblesshire as it set about raising the £875,000 asking support from the Scottish Land Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise and SSE Renewables - as well as crowdfunding and private donations - the newly formed charity, Broughtonknowe Community Woodland (BCW), reached its secretary Alastair Leaver said: "We feared that if we were unable to purchase Broughtonknowe a commercial forester would come in and the whole woodland would be turned over to Sitka spruce."If that had happened, all the wildlife would be ruined and our enjoyment of the place would have been over."It's been a challenging time trying to raise the money, but there has been a lot of enthusiasm from across the community." Although the sale has just been completed, the new owners already have plans to further improve biodiversity across the are also throwing out an invitation for other groups to enjoy the of the group, Ian Brook, believes Broughtonknowe was worth fighting said: "This place is loved by the community - there can be a dozen cars in the car park yet you walk for over an hour without seeing another soul."At the same time, it is used for people coming together - whether it's wellbeing groups, yoga or education - and we hope even more groups can come and enjoy what is here."We will make sure, though, that nature is in control, not any timber companies." Although BCW only has a five-strong board, the charity is supported by 140 the recent completion of the purchase, bee hives have been introduced and fruit trees have been the coming weeks a new shelter will be built and an area has been earmarked for up to 50 hazel councillor Viv Thomson said: "This really is a fairytale that's come true."It would have been devastating if Broughtonknowe had become a commercial forest."
Daily Record
23-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
South of Scotland Enterprise officials claim agency has created and supported 10,000 jobs
The enterprise agency was officially launched in April 2020, with grants of more than £50million provided to businesses in that time. Officials at South of Scotland Enterprise claim they have helped create and support 10,000 jobs since the body was established five years ago. The enterprise agency was officially launched in April 2020 in a bid to boost inclusive growth across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. And in its first five years, it's claimed it has provided grants of more than £50million to 800 businesses, with every £1 it invests resulting in more than £5 being invested in the region. SOSE chairman, Professor Russel Griggs OBE, said: 'When we launched, we made a promise to the people of the south of Scotland that we would be bold, different, ambitious and would listen. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "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.' SOSE also believes it has created or safeguarded around 10,000 jobs and helped distribute more than £26million during the coronavirus pandemic. A total of 626 businesses, social enterprises and community groups were supported, with nearly 90 per cent still operating. Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, said: '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.'
