South of Scotland Enterprise engagement tour

The South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) have announced that their engagement tour begins next week.

These sessions are open to everyone in the South to give their views on what they think the priorities should be for the local economy, with the tour starting in Langholm on Tuesday 1 February.

The phase two itinerary

• Tuesday 1 February – Langholm, Buccleuch Centre 
• Wednesday 2 February - Annan, Corner House Hotel  
• Tuesday 8 February – Kelso, Rugby Club 
• Wednesday 9 February – Duns, A Heart for Duns 
• Thursday 10 February – Selkirk, Ettrick Riverside 
• Tuesday 22 February – Moffat, Town Hall 
• Wednesday 23 February – Whithorn, South Macars Community Centre
• Monday 28 February – New Galloway, Catstrand 
• Tuesday 1 March – Castle Douglas, Community Centre 
• Wednesday 2 March – Gatehouse of Fleet, Mill on the Fleet 
• Monday 7 March – Virtual online event
• Wednesday 9 March – Newton Stewart, Creebridge House Hotel 
• Monday 14 March – Galashiels, Kingsknowes Hotel 
• Tuesday 15 March – Peebles, The Hydro 

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to book in advance via the South of Scotland Enterprise website.

As was the case in phase one, attendee safety will remain paramount, with measures in place across all venues to help minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

This includes all those due to attend an engagement session being asked to take a lateral flow test beforehand. If anyone tests positive, they should stay at home, isolate and follow the latest NHS Scotland guidance.

Face masks must be worn inside each venue, with sanitation points available and social distancing requirements followed.

Help shape the local economy

• The sessions will allow businesses, social enterprises, community groups and the general public to give their views on what our priorities should be for the local economy.
• This feedback will also help to shape their first ever three year Action Plan – a vital strategy which will set out SOSE’s priorities and ambitions for the region.
• ‘Your South of Scotland’ will also allow SOSE to report back on how previous engagement has helped shape SOSE’s initial focus and highlight some of the work and the difference its support has made to the South.
• SOSE support has included approving funding totalling around £28 million to more than 620 local businesses, organisations and community groups, and assisting over 700 clients through one to one, tailored advice and support during 2020/21.