Fiona Hyslop

Speaking ahead of the first meeting of the City Centre Recovery taskforce on Thursday, economy secretary Fiona Hyslop announced two new funds totalling £4 million.

Each city local authority has been invited to submit proposals focused on recovery planning to the £2m City Centres Recovery Fund.

Proposals received so far include:

• Plans for more city centre-based apprenticeships and training in Edinburgh
• Property repair, improvement and conversion in Perth City Centre
• Repurposing of Dundee City Centre properties through collaboration with Creative Industries sector
• Support for businesses in Glasgow applying for outdoor trading areas as restrictions ease

Meanwhile, a £2m Regional Recovery Fund is calling for proposals focused on maximising local job creation, as well as accelerating delivery of City Region and Growth Deal investment and developing regional recovery plans.

Ms Hyslop said: “There is no denying the severe impact this pandemic has had, and continues to have, on our cities and regions. We recognise the sacrifices everyone has made to support our collective effort to get the virus under control and for that we are incredibly grateful.

“We know the pandemic has had differing impacts across Scotland, and this targeted support allows each local authority to put forward tailored proposals that meet their unique needs and support economic recovery.

“We have already provided £1.2 billion in economic recovery initiatives over the last year and the recently passed Scottish Budget sets out even more recovery measures to support the economy in the next year.

“Our City Centre Recovery taskforce will develop a shared vision for the future of Scotland’s city centres, with a focus on innovative actions to help them prosper over the next five years, in a way that encourages inclusive and sustainable growth.”