£10m to fund business hubs across Scotland
The Scottish Government is to provide £10 million to create four new business hubs across the country.
The Scottish Government is to provide £10 million to create four new business hubs across the country.
The money, part of the Local Economic Development Fund, will be shared between business projects in Clackmannanshire, Fife, Hawick in the Scottish Borders and Irvine, North Ayrshire.
Clackmannanshire Council is to benefit from £2 million to support the creation of business units and an enterprise hub, while Fife Council will be given £2.7 million to support diversification and business growth in Kincardine.
A total of £3.6 million will be given to Scottish Borders Council to revitalise Hawick to encourage start-up businesses, while £1.7 million will be used to construct new industrial business space in Irvine.
Paul Wheelhouse, minister for business, innovation and energy, said: "As was made clear in the Programme for Government, we wanted to introduce measures to boost business confidence and keep our economy moving.
"I'm pleased to now be able to confirm the four areas that will receive a share of the £10 million, I have no doubt that these projects will help to drive our economy and provide a real benefit to people across the country.
"In the wake of the EU referendum, we have committed to protecting Scotland's interests, particularly our economic interests.
"We have been working to ensure that money reaches businesses, communities and individuals where it is most needed.
"Local businesses can be the engines of our economy and strong local economies are crucial to our success."