South of Scotland shines at Scottish Parliament
The success of South of Scotland’s businesses and communities has been celebrated at a Scottish Parliament reception. 
The event saw dozens of inspiring local businesses come together at the South of Scotland Enterprise reception, including Outlander star and Galloway Distillery co-founder Sam Heughan.
Mr Heughan spoke at the event, reflecting on growing up in Galloway and now being part of the local business community with the Distillery, which is based in Newton Stewart.
Five years of SOSE
The reception also marked our fifth anniversary – the region’s economic and community development agency which has helped create and safeguard over 10,000 jobs in the region since being launched.
An example of our support was announced earlier in the day, when a near £1million investment was provided to Dumfries & Galloway-based The Carbon Removers to support their plans to become a £1billion company.
The event discussed our vision for the future of the South, with Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, and our Chair Russel Griggs and Chief Executive Jane Morrison-Ross also speaking, which was opened by South of Scotland MSP Emma Harper.
Local musical talent and attractions on show
The reception included a number of performances by a series of talented South of Scotland musicians, including The Burns’ Trio who used the Robert Burns family flute which was restored and played for the first time in 150 years during 2025.
Devin Casson from the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway performer Ra were also part of the reception’s musical entertainment.
A range of South-based attractions were in attendance, including:
- Trimontium Museum
- Robert Burns Ellisland Trust
- Galloway Distillery
- Barrie Knitwear
- Eyemouth Harbour Trust.
Russel Griggs, Chair of SOSE, said:
“When we launched in April 2020, we made a promise to the people of the South of Scotland that we would be bold, different, ambitious and would listen.
“We are proud of the businesses and communities we have in our region, and the support we have provided – from COVID-19 support to creation and safeguarding of jobs to development of entrepreneurship and innovation.
“We were delighted to celebrate our region’s achievements at the Scottish Parliament reception.
“Moving forward, we will ensure we continue to be adaptive, forward thinking, innovative and responsive to the needs of our fantastic region.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:
“The establishment of South of Scotland Enterprise in 2020 was in recognition that there was a unique opportunity in the south to do things differently.
“Since then SOSE has been instrumental in helping grow and develop new and innovative opportunities for economic growth.
“It has been at the forefront of some truly exciting developments and the figures speak for themselves: over 10,000 jobs created or safeguarded; funding of over £50m to more than 800 organisations; and a return on investment of £5 for every £1 spent.
“By continuing to capitalise on its many assets – from its geography, its heritage, its natural environment and above all its people – I have no doubt the region, its businesses and communities will continue to go from strength to strength, supported by South of Scotland Enterprise.”
Sam Heughan added:
“There was never any question for me where I would open a distillery – no matter how far I go, Scotland and Galloway, will always be my home.
“So it really is incredible to return to a place abundant with ambition, drive and opportunity, giving us the chance to add to what is already there.
“To shine a light, not only on ourselves but all the other businesses in the South of Scotland.”