Scottish aerospace discovery centre gets £300k in funding from the UK Government

Scottish aerospace discovery centre gets £300k in funding from the UK Government

A space centre based in Kinross will receive £300k from the UK Government to inspire the next generation to pursue aerospace-related jobs. 

Taking place at the Aero Space Scientific Education Trust's Station House, the project is one of four that have secured a share of nearly £1m from the Community Ownership Fund. 

Others include a community net zero hub in Glasgow, a shop in Stirling looking to turn into community ownership and Laurencekirk Community Centre in Aberdeenshire, with the aim to re-develop into a larger community hub.

The centre will feature a variety of facilities ranging from a 3D planetarium to exhibits on meteorology and space exploration.

It is also hoped it will drive tourism in the area. 

Launched in 2019, the Community Ownership Fund looked to distribute £150m across the UK to help local areas save community assets at risk. Since then, the scheme has restored institutions ranging from museums to sports clubs by allocating over £6m in funds. 

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said: “In total, we are directly investing more than £2.4bn in hundreds of projects across Scotland as we help grow our economy and level up the country.”

Jacob Young, minister for Levelling Up, added: “Our priority is to support communities and deliver opportunities right across the country, which is why we’re investing £12.3m to secure the future of cherished community institutions.”

To date, more than 20 of those in receipt of awards are located in Scotland, including Isle of Arran's Lochranza Country Inn, which was able to remain open after the pandemic, thanks to the fund.

The fund is open again for bids and will close on October 11.