Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal

David Mundell, the Member of Parliament for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, Kirsty McNeill, about the steps the Department is taking to support the delivery of the Borderlands inclusive growth deal. In response, Kirsty McNeill stated that the UK Government is committed to delivering economic growth in all parts of the country and is working closely with local partners and the Scottish Government on the Borderlands growth deal. She said that together, they are ensuring that the deal delivers the uplift in economic benefits set out in the agreement. David Mundell followed up by congratulating Kirsty McNeill on her appointment and the Secretary of State on his work over the past seven years. He then asked the Minister to ensure that the mountain bike centre at the Caerlee mill in Innerleithen is prioritized, as there had been a suggestion that the project may not go ahead in that location. Mundell emphasized that it is vital that the centre is established and the mill is refurbished. Kirsty McNeill responded by stating that the UK Government has pledged £19 million for the mountain bike innovation centre project as part of the Borderlands growth deal. She said that her officials are working closely with all local partners, including Scottish Borders Council, to progress this project, and that she expects to provide an update on the development of the project shortly.