MORE than 500 construction jobs are set to be created as a result of regeneration projects in disadvantaged and rural communities across Scotland receiving a share of almost £27 million in funding, the Scottish Government has said.
The latest round of funding from Holyrood’s regeneration capital grant fund (RCGF), delivered in partnership with COSLA and local authorities, will help 23 community-based initiatives across the country.
It will see derelict buildings brought back into use and new buildings built for community or commercial purposes. Issues such as child poverty, addiction, and suicide will look to be tackled through the work, alongside seeking to aid the creation of jobs and growing local economies.
The Scottish Government said the work will create and support more than 700 jobs, with more than 500 also set to be created in the construction sector alongside ‘hundreds’ of training places.
Initiatives set to benefit include the conversion of a derelict Motherwell sports pitch in a recreation area and community base; the transformation of a pipe factory in Glasgow into a community centre and creative hub; the renovation of an empty, derelict building in Lossiemouth into a community hub; and the establishment of a five-acre campus in Easter Ross offering training in sustainable food production.
The Scottish Government’s community wealth minister, Tom Arthur, said, “These innovative, grassroots schemes have been developed within communities to address local needs. Scottish Government support will help provide services like employment training, affordable childcare, mental health support and addiction counselling. Derelict landmarks will be redeveloped and new buildings created.
“By working in partnership with residents and local authorities, we are helping communities to support themselves and develop fair, green and prosperous economies which accelerate progress towards net zero emissions.”
COSLA’s environment and economy spokesperson, councillor Gail Macgregor, added, “The announcement today shows the strength of the RCGF and the commitment by local government to regenerating communities. In this uncertain time of inflation, rising energy costs and increased demand on services, the fund demonstrates what can be achieved in our towns, cities, villages and islands when support is focused on social and economic renewal.”
