Town pursues UK enterprise title

The Heart of Hawick scheme is competing for the enterprise award

A Borders town is bidding to be crowned the most enterprising area in the UK.

The Heart of Hawick project is representing Scotland in the finals of Enterprising Britain 2008 on Thursday.

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

If successful in the UK competition then Hawick would go on to compete in the European Enterprise Awards.

The scheme saw the town's Tower Mill and Corn Exchange 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.

Hawick won its place in the final by being named the most enterprising place in Scotland earlier this year.