Charities Hailed For Overseas Work

Scottish charities have been praised for their "incredible'' work overseas, including the fight against Ebola and the response to recent deadly floods in Malawi.

UK international development minister Desmond Swayne said Scots should be proud of their contribution to good causes ahead of a visit to Glasgow.

He will call for small and medium-sized international development charities to apply for UK Aid Match and other funding from the Department for International Development (DFID) at a roadshow event in the city.

The UK Aid Match scheme allows the public a chance to decide where aid money goes by matching charities' appeals with government funding.

Mr Swayne will also announce new DFID funding for Edinburgh-based charity Bioclimate to help boost incomes and food provision for some of the poorest women and their families in rural Pakistan.

He said: "The people of Scotland should be immensely proud of their contribution to helping some of the poorest people across the world, from Malawi to Mozambique.

"Scottish charities are on the frontline of the fight against global poverty, doing incredible work overseas.

"This is not just the big name NGOs; often we see smaller, grassroots organisations coming up with innovative projects that no-one else thought of doing.

"I want DFID to continue to support this crucial work, which is why we have upped our commitment to help these charities reach even more people in need.

"Together we can make a real difference and I would urge international development charities across Scotland to get their applications in.''

Mr Swayne will be joined by Scotland Office Minister David Mundell at the event.

He said: "With the ongoing global effort to fight Ebola and the rapid response to the floods in Malawi, this event provides a fitting chance to highlight the great work of developmental organisations across the country helping communities in the developing world.''