£200M OF EUROPEAN FUNDING AT RISK

"An unresolved boundary proposal could result in Scotland losing out on £200 million of vital European economic development investment, according to an umbrella body representing the south of Scotland."

"Campaigners fear the area could receive more than 50% less than the current levels of support under new EU "competitiveness" funding."

"The south of Scotland could lose its status as a separate European funding area for 2007-2013 under new rules due to come into effect after 2006."

"For European funding purposes, Scotland is currently split into four areas - the south of Scotland, Highlands and Islands, west and east.  Current proposal are to break up the established southern region placing Dumfries and Galloway with Glasgow and the Scottish Borders with Edinburgh, Stirling and Dundee."

"The race is on for the Scottish Executive and the UK Department for Trade and Industry to prevent this change."

Sunday Herald

16 January 2005