Scottish community projects get £25m funding

The Scottish Government has announced £25m is going to disadvantaged and remote communities to support regeneration and employment projects.

The money from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) will go to 26 projects to tackle inequalities and deliver inclusive growth.

More than 400 business and organisations will benefit from the projects which will support or create more than 1,220 jobs as well as thousands of training places by refurbishing and bringing back into use 26 empty buildings to provide space for community enterprises.

Among the projects being funded this year is the Old Clyne School Redevelopment Project in Brora, Highland. It will redevelop a derelict C-listed building to become a community-owned museum and heritage centre, and to be a base for the Clyne Heritage Society.

‘Together with COSLA we have invested almost £200m through this fund since 2014 in support of locally-led regeneration projects which help to build the resilience and wellbeing of communities,’ said communities secretary, Aileen Campbell.

‘I am pleased that a further 26 projects will benefit from the fund as we look to a period of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘We have had to lead our lives locally, pulling together more as communities, to see off the many challenges arising from coronavirus. This latest round of investment into local projects continues our ongoing support for vibrant and accessible town centres and communities,’ she added.

COSLA’s environment and economy spokesperson, Clllr Steven Heddle added: ‘This work has never been more important as we look to rebuild from the devastating impact of Covid-19. Recovery from the virus must be fair to our communities and promote inclusivity, growth and wellbeing.

‘The innovative projects announced today can empower our communities to deliver better places to live and work.’

The fund is open, on a competitive basis, to applications from all 32 Scottish local authorities and Urban Regeneration Companies.

An independent investment panel agrees recommendations to Scottish ministers and COSLA on projects to be offered grant support. Updated information, including the latest projects recommended to receive an offer of grant for 2021-22, will be published on the Scottish Government website.

Photo Credit – BarryPit (Pixabay)