The Scottish Government has released £26 million to boost local regeneration projects in disadvantaged and rural communities.

Funding from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) will help to support 24 schemes that engage and involve local communities to tackle inequality and support inclusive growth.

Overall, the joint Government ad COSLA investment will help support or create more than 1,400 jobs, refurbish or bring back into use 23 local buildings, support over 300 businesses and community enterprises as well as more than 84 community facilities and services.

The funding was announced by Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart at Paisley Museum, which has secured £4m towards a £42m redevelopment project.


Minister 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, Cllr Steven Heddle, added: "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."

(LM)