Community projects get £25 million funding

The money from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) will go to 26 projects to tackle inequalities and deliver inclusive growth.  

Over 400 business and organisations will benefit from the projects which will support or create more than 1220 jobs as well as thousands of training places by refurbishing and bringing back into use 26 empty buildings to provide space for community enterprises.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said:

“Together with COSLA we have invested almost £200 million through this fund since 2014 in support of locally-led regeneration projects which help to build the resilience and wellbeing of communities. I am pleased that a further 26 projects will benefit from the fund as we look to a period of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have had to lead our lives locally, pulling together more as communities, to see off the many challenges arising from coronavirus. This latest round of investment into local projects continues our ongoing support for vibrant and accessible town centres and communities.”

COSLA’s Environment and Economy spokesperson Councillor Steven Heddle said:

“This work has never been more important as we look to rebuild from the devastating impact of COVID-19. Recovery from the virus must be fair to our communities and promote inclusivity, growth and wellbeing.

“The innovative projects announced today can empower our communities to deliver better places to live and work.”

Among the projects being funded this year is The Old Clyne School Redevelopment Project in Brora, Highland (pictured above). It will redevelop a derelict C-listed building to become a community-owned museum and heritage centre, and to be a base for the Clyne Heritage Society.

Dr Nick Lindsay, Chairman of the Clyne Heritage Society said:

“This is the best news that we could have hoped for, in what has been a very difficult year. This should unlock the final ‘brick-in-the-wall’ funds from other funding partners, so we can deliver this major development for Brora.

“We can now fulfil our dreams by regenerating the Old Clyne School into a must-visit destination, transforming a current eyesore into a welcome attraction for the whole community and future generations.”

Background

The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) is delivered annually in partnership between the Scottish Government and COSLA.

The RCGF will award £24.1 million in grants to 26 new projects this year, in addition to funding for multiyear projects which will take the total to more than £25 million going to communities this year.

The fund is open, on a competitive basis, to applications from all 32 Scottish local authorities and Urban Regeneration Companies. An independent investment panel agrees recommendations to Scottish Ministers and COSLA on projects to be offered grant support. Updated information, including the latest projects recommended to receive an offer of grant for 2021-22, will be published on the Scottish Government website.

The projects to receive an offer of a grant in 2021-22 are as follows: