Three major skills and innovation projects in the South of Scotland have been invited to progress to the next stage of development as part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, marking a significant milestone for initiatives set to transform regional workforce opportunities.
The projects form part of the South of Scotland Skills programme, within the ‘Supporting Business, Innovation and Skills’ strand of the wider deal. Together, they aim to create state-of-the-art facilities across the region’s colleges, helping to future-proof the rural economy by building a more resilient and adaptable workforce.
Borders College in Galashiels is leading two of the proposals, both designed to tackle key skills shortages and support long-term economic growth in the Scottish Borders. The first, a proposed Human Health Innovation Lab, would establish a dedicated learning environment to expand healthcare training up to SCQF Level 9. Delivered in partnership with NHS Borders, Edinburgh Napier University and private healthcare providers, the project is intended to address regional workforce gaps while opening up new career pathways in health.
Alongside this, the college is progressing plans for a Housing and Net Zero Accelerator Hub, focused on sustainable construction and renewable technologies. The hub would offer training and upskilling opportunities aligned with the growing demand for green skills, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Meanwhile, Dumfries and Galloway College is developing proposals for a Centre for Net Zero, a regional hub aimed at advancing green skills and low-carbon innovation. The project includes a flexible, mobile training model designed to deliver accredited qualifications directly to remote and rural communities, improving access to education across the region.
With all three projects now moving forward in the Borderlands pipeline, each college will prepare Outline and Full Business Cases before funding is formally confirmed.
Councillor Stephen Thompson, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, welcomed the progress, describing it as “a positive step forward” for both the college and the wider region. He highlighted the importance of flexible learning models in rural areas, noting that bringing accredited training directly to communities could significantly improve access and participation.
“Investing in skills linked to low-carbon technology and innovation can strengthen our local economy and equip our workforce to play a leading role in tackling the climate emergency,” he said. “Creating lasting benefits, supporting sustainable jobs, and empowering our young people will help our communities transition to a more resilient future.”
Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, added that the Borders College projects are closely aligned with local recruitment challenges and growth opportunities. He said they have the potential to support both young people entering the workforce and existing employees seeking to upskill, particularly in the health and construction sectors.
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The South of Scotland Skills programme has secured up to £7 million in Scottish Government capital funding through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. In line with the South of Scotland Regional Economic Strategy, it aims to grow the local economy by training the next generation of healthcare and green-tech professionals within their own communities.
Further information is available at www.borderlandsgrowth.com
