Around £17.4 million  pounds is to be invested in urban regeneration and rural development projects including new business parks, training centres and the renewable energy industry, helping to create around 950 new Scottish jobs.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said cash from the European Regional Development Fund, allocated by the Scottish Government, would help sustain employment around Scotland, boost economic recovery prospects and assist with the development of a low carbon economy.

The 19 project allocations announced today include:

• Up to £2.1 million for the Galashiels Transport Interchange, which will create business space integrated with transport facilities in the Borders town
• Up to £943,500 on Scottish Borders Rural Business Site development;
• Up to £736,010 on Gretna, Lockerbie Annan GLA Business Space;
• Up to £351,338 on Heathhall Industrial Estate Dumfries

Mr Swinney said:

"While there are signs of a fragile recovery, this undoubtedly remains a very challenging economic climate. It is absolutely right that the Scottish Government uses all of the levers at its disposal, including European funding, to support projects which can maximise employment opportunities and support our economy through the downturn and towards sustainable economic growth.

"I am delighted by the variety of projects supported by this latest cash injection, from new business facilities to the renewable energy industry. The projects have the potential to support the creation of around 950 new jobs in Scotland.

"This builds on the Scottish Government's Economic Recovery Plan, which has already directly supported up to 15,000 jobs in the Scottish economy at this difficult time. This funding will provide a further and timely boost to our recovery prospects and be warmly welcomed in many Scottish communities."