Hawick takes enterprise hub crown

The Heart of Hawick project picked up the enterprise award

A competition to find the most enterprising area in Scotland has been won by the Borders town of Hawick.

It emerged victorious in the Scottish finals of Enterprising Britain 2008 thanks to the "tangible economic impact" of its Heart of Hawick project.

The arts and culture-led regeneration scheme has helped to bring two prominent empty properties in the town back into use.

The runner-up award was taken by the Levenmouth Access Centre in Methil.

The Borders scheme saw off competition from 11 other projects nominated across Scotland.

We are very proud of our achievements to date, and will be continuing to build on our success for future developments at the site Susan Taylor Heart of Hawick marketing manager

"Heart of Hawick was chosen as the winner as it demonstrates how regeneration of an area can have direct, tangible economic impact for the local area and Scotland as a whole," he said.

The project's marketing manager, Susan Taylor, said they were pleased to receive the recognition.

"We are very proud of our achievements to date, and will be continuing to build on our success for future developments at the site," she said.

The project was set up to counter the impact of the loss of jobs in the area due to the contraction of the textile industry.

The town's Tower Mill and Corn Exchange were converted into facilities which have both created jobs and encouraged visitors.

They include a state-of-the-art genealogy service, a 111-seat auditorium and 10 rentable workspaces and exhibition space.

Heart of Hawick now goes on to represent Scotland in a UK enteprise competition.

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