A series of tangible actions to take forward a fairer, greener and flourishing South of Scotland have been agreed.
The actions are included in the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) Delivery Plan, which sets out how the Strategy’s 10-year vision for the communities, businesses and people of the South will be achieved.
The Delivery Plan looks up to three years ahead, and aims to be flexible in order to adapt to the changes experienced in the South of Scotland. It can be viewed at www.southofscotlandrep.com.
The Delivery Plan follows the launch of the RES in September 2021 by the South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership (REP), which is made up of representatives from a wide range of organisations, sectors and groups who are based in, or work across the region.
Each of the Delivery Plan’s actions make clear who the key partners are and the timescales for completion, and are all focussed around six priority themes:
- Skilled and Ambitious People
- Innovative and Enterprising
- Rewarding and Fair Work
- Cultural and Creative Excellence
- Green and Sustainable Economy
- Thriving and Distinct Communities
The REP first met virtually in September 2020 and agreed that its immediate focus needed to be the development of a South of Scotland-wide economic strategy.
The development of the RES and its accompanying Delivery Plan has been driven forward by REP members, alongside extensive analysis, evidence and engagement with over 1,400 voices from the South – including 300 young people.
Harry Harbottle, who helps represents the third sector as a member of the REP, said: “I am very pleased that we were able to complete the Economic Strategy with considerable regional input within such a short timescale.
“Now that it is backed up with the Delivery Plan, I am sure that it will allow many organisations to work together to transform the quality of experience for both residents and visitors in the South of Scotland.”
REP member Julia Mulloy, Chief Executive of Scottish Borders Housing Association who helps represent Registered Social Landlords, added: “Our Delivery Plan intends to be flexible, recognising that across the life of a ten year strategy many things can and will likely change.
“That means we will keep our Delivery Plan under regular review, to ensure it focusses on what matters most and will make the greatest difference.
“As a partnership, we look forward to working together with as many of our local communities, businesses and people as possible and ultimately delivering our ambitious vision for the South of Scotland.”
The Delivery Plan for the RES was approved by Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders councils as well as South of Scotland Enterprise earlier this month.