More than 7,000 jobs could be created across Scotland by projects benefitting from over £138 million of funding from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

An evaluation of the fund found that those projects have the potential to support over 400 community facilities and services, help more than 2,279 businesses or enterprises, refurbish 178 buildings, and create more than 113,959 square metres of business space.

Over 100 regeneration projects have been supported since 2014 to help tackle inequality and support inclusive growth in disadvantaged and fragile communities.

Commenting on the latest report on the fund, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: "Since 2014, the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund has supported over 100 projects working to improve our communities and tackle inequality with £138 million of funding. This fund is empowering communities to drive local regeneration projects themselves and create sustainable towns and cities that work for them.


"As well as helping to regenerate communities across Scotland, this investment is supporting local projects, businesses and enterprises that have the potential to create over 7,000 jobs."

Councillor Steven Heddle, COSLA's Environment and Economy Spokesperson added: "This fund continues to demonstrate the value of place-based, locally led regeneration to communities across Scotland. By placing community involvement and empowerment at the heart of regeneration policy, the fund aids Local Authorities in delivering positive social outcomes to Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities. With over £138 million awarded to 138 projects since 2014, I eagerly await further innovative projects and positive outcomes which will be delivered through future rounds of this fund."

(MH/CM)