Scottish Government Minister hopes grants will spur on schemes – unlocking innovation and action which will make cities, towns and neighbourhoods stronger
Organisations across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire have secured a share of £1.5m from the Scotland Loves Local Fund.
Schemes in Paisley, Renfrew, Lochwinnoch, Clarkston, Barrhead and Newton Mairns are among those benefiting from the boost to help revitalise cities, town centres and neighbourhoods (see details in this table / attached PDF).
The Scottish Government fund encourages support for local economies which were impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Nationally, it includes help to restore local tourism, make town centres more environmentally friendly and sustainable, support communities to refurbish shop fronts and public spaces ahead of the festive season.
Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur, who is also the MSP for Renfrewshire South, said: “The Scottish Government is supporting our communities to deliver renewed local prosperity. I hope these grants will help spur on many of the projects which are vital to unlocking the innovation and action which will make our towns and neighbourhoods stronger.
“The Fund provides 50% match funding for local projects between £5,000 and £25,000 and targets funding towards local economies that have been impacted most due to the pandemic, including those in areas with pre‑existing inequality.
“It reinforces our determination to support all our communities as they recover and will help strengthen the vital backing being provided through the Scotland Loves Local marketing campaign and gift card scheme.
“These grants are part of Scottish Government measures to create a fairer, healthier, greener, inclusive and more sustainable economic recovery.”
The Fund has been administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation spearheading Scotland Loves Local with support from the Scottish Government.
STP Chief Officer Phil Prentice said: “Vital work is taking place across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire – indeed throughout Scotland – to revitalise and reimagine our communities. There’s real innovation among the projects being supported. I am sure these grants will go a long way to turning these ambitious visions into action, delivering real benefits.”
The Scotland Loves Local campaign urges people to think, choose and spend local to help their communities recover from the impact of coronavirus and build a stronger future.
More details about the Scotland Loves Local campaign can be found at www.lovelocal.scot or by following #ScotlandLovesLocal on social media.
The £10 million Scotland Loves Local programme extends over five years and encourages people to think and choose local first by supporting their businesses and communities.