A YOUTH broadcasting initiative in the Borders faces an uncertain future after a major funding application was turned down.

Voice of My Own (VOMO) has been offering film-making, acting and presenting opportunities for the past 13 years.

But a recent funding bid to Creative Scotland for continuation of the project, which operates out of Galashiels, has been turned down.

The arts initiative expanded significantly in 2014 after securing enough Creative Scotland cash to build its own state-of-the-art television studio in Galashiels.

And a further bid for just under £100,000 from Creative Scotland, as well as almost £50,000 from Cashback for Creativity, was successful during the following year.

VOMO transferred from the stewardship of Scottish Borders Council to Live Borders during 2016 with the rest of the local authority's Cultural Services department.

More public cash flowed into the scheme following the transfer as it expanded into online radio broadcasting.

But this most recent refusal has thrown its long-term future into doubt.

One arts insider told us: "An expanding number of groups and organisations are chasing the same funding.

"The problem VOMO now has is that there isn't many other places left to turn."

Dozens of 11-to-25 year-olds from across the Borders have learned about film-making and broadcasting through VOMO.

As well as creative skills, the enterprise has also helped youngsters gain confidence and alleviate exclusion.

Staff at VOMO are understood to be on holiday this week.

But senior managers at Live Borders have vowed to find alternative funding streams to maintain the service.

A spokeswoman told us: "We are disappointed that the application for funding to Creative Scotland for Voice of My Own has been unsuccessful.

"We understand that the fund was highly competitive and there was no guarantee our bid would be successful.

"We believe in the value of the work delivered by VOMO and we are looking at what future provision, models and funding will enable VOMO to continue to do deliver worthwhile outcomes for young people and communities in the Scottish Borders."