A number of organisations in Lanarkshire have secured a share of £1.5 million from the Scotland Loves Local Fund.
The funding provided by the Scottish Government aims to revitalise local economies impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ministers say they hope the cash boosts of up to £25,000 will help "spur on" many local schemes across the country and unlock innovation to make towns and neighbourhoods stronger.
As many as five organisations in South Lanarkshire will benefit from the grants including Hamilton Business Improvement District (BID) which secured £20,000 for their Hamilton Loves Local Christmas Festival - supporting local trading through the vital peak Christmas period, the festive markets and lights switch on event.
Meanwhile Discover Lanark Limited were also awarded £20,000 to support work to turn a vacant gap site in Lanark town centre into a multi-faceted interpretation area detailing the part William Wallace played in Lanark’s history.
This work includes two large gable-end murals; a sculptural artwork; William Wallace interpretation for two distinct audiences (the first aimed at adults and the second in the ‘Horrible Histories’ style for a younger audience); overall site improvements including seating, planters and lighting; and renewal of the existing William Wallace Trail signs and leaflet.
In East Kilbride, group EK is allocated £20,000 for development of a marketing campaign urging people to think, choose and spend local - highlighting community, convenience and variety to support the local economy.
The same amount is also given to Climate Action Strathaven for an extension to the Mural Trail by Creative Strathaven; and the development of a digital shopping app linked to the Climate Action Strathaven eCargo bike delivery service.
And local group WAT IF? (Woolfords Auchengray and Tarbrax and surrounding areas) are in receipt of a £10,000 grant for their development of the community shop and takeaway at Woolfords Village Hall by supporting the employment of a shop coordinator, building an outdoor shelter and providing patio heaters.
A number of schemes in North Lanarkshire are also set to benefit from the funds including organisations in Motherwell, Airdrie, Cumbernauld and Bellshill.
Nationally, the Fund includes help to restore local tourism, make town centres more environmentally friendly and sustainable, support communities to refurbish shop fronts and public spaces ahead of the festive season.
Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “The Scottish Government is supporting our communities to deliver renewed local prosperity. I hope these grants will help spur on many of the projects which are vital to unlocking the innovation and action which will make our towns and neighbourhoods stronger.
“The Fund provides 50 per cent match funding for local projects between £5000 and £25,000 and targets funding towards local economies that have been impacted most due to the pandemic, including those in areas with pre‑existing inequality.
“It reinforces our determination to support all our communities as they recover and will help strengthen the vital backing being provided through the Scotland Loves Local marketing campaign and gift card scheme.
“These grants are part of Scottish Government measures to create a fairer, healthier, greener, inclusive and more sustainable economic recovery.”
The Fund has been administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation spearheading Scotland Loves Local with support from the Scottish Government.
STP Chief Officer Phil Prentice added: “Vital work is taking place across North and South Lanarkshire - indeed throughout Scotland - to revitalise and reimagine our communities.
"There’s real innovation among the projects being supported. I am sure these grants will go a long way to turning these ambitious visions into action, delivering real benefits.”
The Scotland Loves Local campaign urges people to think, choose and spend local to help their communities recover from the impact of coronavirus and build a stronger future.
More details about the Scotland Loves Local campaign can be found on its website here.
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