MSP Christine Grahame has marked 15 years of making crime pay in the Scottish Borders.

Speaking in a Holyrood debate last week to commend the CashBack for Communities Programme, which is now in its 15th year, Ms Grahame highlighted that more than £2 million has been invested in projects in the Scottish Borders.

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The programme is unique to Scotland and reinvests money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 in projects aimed at diversion from antisocial behaviour, provision of positive activity, support for wellbeing, and building confidence and skills for young people.

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Ms Grahame said: “Projects in the Scottish Borders, including by Youth Link Scotland and Youth Scotland, received £34,352 this year, bringing the total investment in projects in the area to £2,182,434.

“The money has gone to a wide variety of projects, including those run by Tweeddale Youth Action and TD1 Youth Hub.

"I know that Galashiels-based TD1 has put the money they’ve received towards projects that develop personal skills for youngsters, such as social interactions, communication, and patience, all in partnership with the local authority and the fire service.

"It’s a great example of how people and organisations working together can make a real difference.”

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Since its inception, the programme has committed £130 million to supporting around 1.3 million young people, reinvesting criminal assets to provide support to young people at risk of entering the criminal justice system and communities impacted by crime.