£26m fund to support regeneration projects in disadvantaged and rural communities
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Communities across Scotland are to benefit from a share of £26 million as part of an initiative which supports projects that engage and involve local communities in disadvantaged areas, tackle inequality and support inclusive growth.
A joint Scottish Government and COSLA investment, the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) will help to 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.
Local government minister Kevin Stewart announced the funding at Paisley Museum, which is being given £4m towards a £42m project to create a major destination showing off the town’s globally-significant textile heritage and unique collections.
Mr 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.
“Continuation of the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund for the remainder of the Parliamentary term emphasises the joint commitment of Scottish and local government to regeneration policy, and I’m keen to see what further innovative projects come forward in the future rounds of this fund.”
A total of 119 projects have been recommended for support from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund since 2014/15. Funding has been confirmed for the remainder of the current parliamentary term, subject to annual spending reviews.
The fund, which has been developed in partnership with COSLA and local authorities, is open to all 32 Scottish local authorities and their Special Purpose Vehicles. An independent panel makes recommendations to the Scottish Ministers and COSLA on which projects should receive funding.
View a list of the 24 projects awarded RCGF funding in 2018 to 2019.
A number of projects will receive grant awards over the period 2018/19- 2020/21 subject to final technical checks and project performance.
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