Scottish communities set to benefit from a share of £26m

Scottish communities are set to benefit from a share of £26m to support local regeneration.

A total of 24 projects will be awarded funding in 2018/19 as part of the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF), which supports projects that engage and involve local communities in disadvantaged areas, tackle inequality and support inclusive growth.

The joint Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) investment will help to support or create more than 1,400 jobs, refurbish 23 local buildings, support over 300 businesses and community enterprises as well as more than 84 community facilities and services.

Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart said: “I’m really pleased that 24 fantastic, locally-driven projects will benefit from this major injection of funding.

“Spanning the length and breadth of the country, they will help regenerate local areas, stimulate inclusive growth and create new jobs.

“The focus of the projects range from tackling social isolation, mitigating welfare cuts, providing training opportunities, creating business space and increasing tourism – to name but a few.

“They are an excellent example of how national and local government are working together on shared priorities that benefit local communities.”

COSLA’s environment and economy spokesperson Councillor Steven Heddle said this fund is an “invaluable tool” for local authorities to help deliver on the regeneration aspirations of the communities which they represent.

“These diverse projects reflect the localised approaches being taken to help regenerate communities across the country, all of which will help deliver strong economic, social, and physical outcomes,” he said.

The fund, which has been developed in partnership with COSLA and local authorities, is open to all 32 Scottish local authorities.

An independent panel makes recommendations to the Scottish ministers and COSLA on which projects should receive funding.