The Scottish government has announced that Scotland’s local authorities will receive £30m of new investment for regeneration and town centres.

The funding will be available immediately through the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) and the Town Centre Fund (TCF), both delivered in partnership between the Scottish government and COSLA.

‘We want to go beyond rebuilding - to refresh and reform and help drive the social and economic renewal necessary to achieve the best future for Scotland,’ said communities secretary Aileen Campbell.

‘This further £30m capital funding for regeneration and town centres will stimulate local construction across Scotland and support disadvantaged areas in the recovery.

‘Communities are best placed to identify specific needs and aspirations and this regeneration funding enables the delivery of a wide range of locally-developed projects to be made into reality.

‘Our places must work for our communities, and the Town Centre Funding will build on the success of last year’s fund. With it, local authorities will be able to drive forward projects that help people live better locally and reduce their carbon footprint while driving footfall to local businesses.’

COSLA Environment and Economy Spokesperson Cllr Steven Heddle commented: ‘The additional challenges facing Scotland’s most vulnerable communities due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic means there has never been a more important time to strengthen the economic, social, and physical wellbeing of our places.

‘This additional funding for the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and Town Centre Fund will support the regeneration aspirations of our communities, and also accelerate the delivery of projects to support the recovery, tackle disadvantage and deprivation and support jobs.’