£1m fund to support town centre projects in Scotland

A new £1 million fund has been launched to help hundreds of projects promote town centres and online businesses.

Grants between £500 and £5,000 will be given out as part of the Scotland Loves Local scheme.

The Scottish Government funding aims to support small scale improvements to motivate people to safely shop, eat and relax within their community.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: "We know money spent locally is more likely to stay in the local economy and support local jobs.

"The Scotland Loves Local campaign encourages people to think how they can safely support this.

"This fund will help initiatives supporting businesses, such as projects to encourage safe shopping, business and leisure opportunities, promoting and advertising local providers of online shopping or enhancing visitor appeal.''

Grants can be put towards providing safe shopping information for residents and tourists, the installation of public health infrastructure such as protective screens, physical distancing markers, hand sanitising equipment and PPE.

The funding is being provided by the Scottish Government and administered by Scotland's Towns Partnership.

Chief officer of Scotland's Towns Partnership Phil Prentice said: "This is an exceptional opportunity for local communities - a chance to get the funding that will unlock some brilliant creativity.

"We've seen throughout the Scotland Loves Local campaign that people all over the country want to back their local towns and places - we're looking forward to seeing some brilliant ideas take shape.

"Our campaign is highlighting that money spent locally stays local for longer.

"This new fund will be a real boost for communities across the country.''

Applications to the fund open on Sunday and close on Friday November 25.

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