BORDERS businesses have collectively received more than £16.5 million from the council as they struggle through the coronavirus pandemic.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) is managing a portion of the Scottish Government’s Business Support Fund.

A total of 1,520 businesses have been approved for help so far, with payments taking the form of one-off grants worth £10,000 and £25,000.

SBC chief executive Tracey Logan said: “Applications continue to be received for the Business Support Fund and I would encourage any eligible businesses to make sure they apply so they can receive the funding support they are entitled to.

“We estimate that around 3,000 local businesses are eligible, therefore about half have already been successful in obtaining support.

“We anticipate that early next week detailed information and guidance regarding the additional financial support announced by the Scottish Government will be available and as such application forms and criteria will be available from our dedicated web pages at www.scotborders.gov.uk/covid19business.”