The Scottish Government has announced that million of pounds are being committed to projects that will see the regeneration of disadvantaged and rural communities across Scotland.
As part of the latest round of funding from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF), £27 million worth of funding will be shared between 23 community-based initiatives. This investment will be used to support schemes that will be creating jobs and growing local economies, whilst also tackling issues like child poverty, addiction and suicide prevention. The regeneration of town centres will also be backed through the redevelopment of derelict buildings and the construction of new ones for commercial purposes.
Tom Arthur, Community Wealth Minister, said:
“The innovative, grassroots schemes have been developed within communities to address local needs.
“Scottish Government support will help provide services like employment training, affordable childcare, mental health support and addiction counselling. Derelict landmarks will be redeveloped and new buildings created.
“By working in partnership with residents and local authorities, we are helping communities to support themselves and develop fair, green and prosperous economies which accelerate progress towards net zero emissions.
“The Scottish Government wants to create a fairer society by enabling more people to benefit directly from the wealth generated by local communities. That is why we are introducing Community Wealth Building legislation during this Parliamentary term – to fundamentally transform what our economy is for and how it operates.”
The project is set to create and support over 700 jobs and more than 500 construction roles, as well as other initiatives that include:
- Converting a derelict Motherwell sports pitch into a recreation area and community base to support groups at particular risk of suicide
- Transforming a former pipe factory in Glasgow into a community centre and creative hub for young people, including those with care experience
- Renovating an empty, derelict building in Lossiemouth into a community hub providing services including affordable childcare, addiction counselling and debt advice
- Establishing a five-acre campus in Easter Ross to offer training in sustainable food production, promote zero waste and deliver courses focused on tackling food poverty and poor mental health
Councillor Gail McGregor, COSLA’s Environment and Economy spokesperson, said:
“The announcement today shows the strength off the RCGF and the commitment by local government to regenerating communities.
“In this uncertain time of inflation, rising energy costs and increased demand on services, the fund demonstrates what can be achieved in our towns, cities, villages and islands when support is focused on social and economic renewal.
“From tackling the mental health crisis to food poverty, affordable childcare to climate change, this fund goes beyond what we traditionally think of as regeneration thanks to the ambition and innovative thinking of communities across Scotland.”
