The Borderlands Conference has taken place in Dumfries paving the way for investment in the area. The event provided an opportunity for the Borderlands Partnership to meet with local politicians and stakeholders.
The Borderlands Growth Deal is a partnership that will bring together five local authorities to promote economic growth. They include the Scottish Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, Carlisle, Northumberland, and Cumbria which covers 10% of the UK land mass, is home to 1m people, and is within two hours travel of 14m people.
350 delegates packed the Easterbrook Hall to consider key themes such as Transport, Innovation and Skills and Rural Productivity.
The conference was attended by Rachael Hamilton MSP, member for Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire. A series of Borderlands themed sessions were held and contributions taken from business people and elected members.
Not withstanding her support to extend the Waverley Line through Hawick and onto Carlisle, Rachael Hamilton MSP put forward a concept to transform the Borderlands area into a culture and tourism hub. The local MSP believes that pursuing ways to give the area a unique status could bring new international visitors and drive more domestic visitors. She also believes that it would encourage more young people to take up a career in tourism and hospitality
After the event, Rachael Hamilton MSP said: ‘It was great to attend the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal Conference where I had the chance to hear of current plans for the deal’
‘I know that this investment in the area will help to further boost the Borders economy which has suffered over the years’
‘I also took the opportunity to reiterate some of my ideas on how the Scottish Borders can get the best out of the deal. I believe that if the Borderlands could gain special status as a place of stunning countryside and heritage which also holds unique cultural traditions, then we could really see the economic fortunes of the area turnaround’