The UK Government has released the first £52.1m of a £140m Local Growth Fund to five Scottish regions, after approving their three-year investment plans.
The money is going to Regional Partnerships covering areas with the lowest household income per head, including West Dunbartonshire, North Ayrshire, Dundee, Clackmannanshire and Fife.
Glasgow City Region receives the largest share, with £22.7m released towards a total allocation of £60.9m. Edinburgh & South East Scotland, Tay Cities, Ayrshire and Forth Valley will also benefit.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said the funding would let local leaders ‘create skilled jobs, help start up businesses and revive our local high streets’, after months of working directly with regional partners.
The Government said Scotland would end up better off overall than under the previous Shared Prosperity Fund, with up to £250m of investment expected over three years.
