2.5 million for regeneration projects across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced £2.5 million for regeneration projects across Scotland.

More than £2.5 million has been allocated from the Strengthening Communities Programme in 2025-26 to continue supporting 62 organisations and begin working with another 15.

The money will be used to address various challenges including employability, population retention, a need for housing, tourism and heritage initiatives, and the expansion and development of community food hubs.

Over 13 years, the Programme has helped hundreds of local organisations to bring economic, social and environmental benefits to their local communities, by delivering projects including the creation of more housing in remote rural areas, building business units to help small enterprises, and renovating vacant buildings to provide cultural and community centres.

Deputy first minister Kate Forbes made the announcement on a visit to a former vacant department store in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, which has received funding to be transformed into a community and enterprise hub.

She said: “Local communities are best placed to address their own needs, identify improvements in their areas, and realise their own economic potential. That is why community-led regeneration is a key priority for the Scottish Government.

“From arts and culture projects, training and employment schemes, to bringing new life to disused buildings, hundreds of places across the country are already seeing positive change."