Groups working to transform towns and neighbourhoods across West Lothian are being urged to apply to a new multi-million pound fund.
The Scottish Government has revealed details of the £10 million Scotland Loves Local Fund, a multi-year support scheme which aims to encourage people to think local first, supporting businesses and enterprises in their community.
The programme will provide match funding of between £5000 and £25,000 for projects run by groups such as town centre partnerships, chambers of commerce, community and charity trusts.
Administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), it aims to bring new, sustainable, creative projects and activity to towns and neighbourhoods – helping build local wealth and increase footfall and activity, while supporting local enterprise partnerships. Eligible projects could include community shops, marketing and digital schemes, or enabling larger construction project delivery.
Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “To support Scotland’s towns and neighbourhoods recover from the pandemic we are launching a new £10 million Scotland Loves Local Fund. This will provide 50 per cent match funding for local projects between £5000 and £25,000.
“Whether it be funding for small-scale improvements or adaptations, climate or active travel programmes, home delivery digital schemes, pop up shops and markets, or the direct funding or expansion of Scotland Loves Local loyalty card schemes – communities will be able to decide how best to improve their local area.
“This 100 day commitment of the Scottish Government reinforces our determination to support all of Scotland’s communities recover from the pandemic and will help strengthen the vital support being provided through the Scotland Loves Local marketing campaign and loyalty card scheme.”
Applications for grants are open from now until Friday, October 1.
A total of £2 million-worth of grants will be available this financial year.
STP chief officer, Phil Prentice, said: “Over the coming years, this significant commitment from the Scottish Government will make a real difference - empowering communities to take action that will make their areas fairer, greener and more successful. We are delighted to be working with ministers to deliver this.
“This funding will unlock the great potential of our towns and neighbourhoods, allowing them not just to recover from the impact of Covid-19, but to create a stronger, more sustainable future which has localism at its heart.
“I would encourage interested organisations across West Lothian to get their applications in.”
Last year, an initial Scotland Loves Local Fund to help with immediate issues caused by the pandemic saw a number of projects in the region benefit.
They included promotion of the 20-minute neighbourhood around Linlithgow, promotional films on Bathgate and the creation of a business directory for Kirknewton.
News of the fund has been announced as local businesses are urged to sign up to accept the new Scotland Loves Local Gift Card ahead of it becoming available to consumers later this year.
The new local gift card initiative will encourage consumers to spend in local businesses, and lock spend into the local area.
More details about the Scotland Loves Local campaign - and how to apply to the new fund - can be found at www.lovelocal.scot.
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