A HOTEL development for Galashiels could be on the agenda after the Borders secured £20 million in Levelling Up funding.

The UK Government announced it was giving cash to the region along with three other local authorities – Boston, Stoke-on-Trent and Wakefield – on Friday, before the pre-election period began.

According to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, £11 million is being invested to support “local economic development”, including a hotel for Galashiels; the Crook Inn Bunkhouse; the purchase of business units in Eyemouth; and a brownfield fund pot for Hawick.

It also says £2.3 million will be set aside to support the region’s bus network and £6 million will be spent on refurbishing and retrofitting buildings, youth services and village halls.

Euan Jardine, the leader of Scottish Borders Council, and Scott Hamilton, his deputy, said: “These projects will have a profound impact on our communities.

“We’ve successfully met our strategic goals in the borderlands towns of Galashiels, Jedburgh, Hawick, and Eyemouth.

“We have effectively implemented a comprehensive regional strategy to drive a levelling-up agenda that benefits all.”

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: “All the Levelling Up Partnerships will be subject to business case.”