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Valleys win £67K to take projects forward
A HOST of projects in the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys are getting a tranche of European cash to take them closer towards becoming reality.
The money –£67,000 from the European-funded Leader rural grants programme – will help fund the next phase of the Valley Development Project.
It will again be managed by the Southern Upland Partnership, but be based in the Buccleuch Estates offices at Bowhill.
The funding will help progress projects identified during the recent community consultation.
Each requires work in the form of feasibility studies, design work or scoping studies to establish exact requirements and costs and the Leader monies – plus £10,000 of Lottery cash – will pay for these plus a part-time development worker.
Match-funding is being provided in kind by Buccleuch Estates in the shape of office space and project co-ordinators have also been able to count a substantial amount of volunteer time towards the match funding requirement.
Chair of the Valleys Steering Group, Scottish Borders councillor Vicky Davidson (Selkirkshire, LD), says the cash means the energy, enthusiasm and commitment for the projects built up over the last two years in both valleys can be maintained.
“We can now progress various projects which will enhance life in the valleys and help to make living and working in the valleys a more viable and sustainable option in the future,” she said.
Pip Tabor of the Southern Upland Partnership added: “The approach taken in the valleys has attracted a lot of attention, both locally and from further afield.
“It shows what communities can do for themselves when the right support structures are in place.”
The projects involved include feasibility work on a Minchmoor to Yarrowford cycle trail; Yarrow off-road section of Bowhill Cycle loop; hydro scheme; a pilot creative residency based on the Ettrick inspiration for James Hogg and/or William Johnston; a circular off-road walking route around St Marys Loch; scheme for support in marketing valleys tourism businesses; a link toll road from the head of the Ettrick Valley down to the A708 to link with Moffat.
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Wednesday 19 June 2013
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