14 Scottish communities to receive Pride in Place funding

14 neighbourhoods across Scotland are set to benefit from up to £20 million each from the Pride in Place Programme.

In September, the UK Government confirmed that the Pride in Place Programme will see up to £280 million shared among 14 neighbourhoods in 12 Scottish local authorities over 10 years.

The areas selected have the highest deprivation levels and weakest social infrastructure.

The Scotland Office invited evidence submissions from these local authorities, eligible MPs and constituency MSPs, the Scottish Government and wider community organisations as to which neighbourhoods should be chosen. 

The funding will be allocated to neighbourhoods across Aberdeen City, City of Edinburgh, Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow, Highland, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Na h-Eileanan Siar and West Lothian.

Neighbourhood Boards will be established to decide what the money will be spent on.

Projects could include revitalising high streets and town centres, preserving local heritage, providing housing, creating jobs, boosting productivity and skills, improving health and well-being, creating new transport links, providing education and opportunity and improving safety and security. 

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: "The UK Government is backing 14 of Scotland’s most in need communities with £280 million investment - part of a £2 billion package to uphold pride in communities and create opportunities the length and breadth of the nation. 

"Over decades of decline, people have watched as their neighbourhoods have lost services and support, so now we are putting the power into the hands of local people who can decide how the money is spent. We’re investing directly in Scottish communities to build stronger, thriving neighbourhoods."

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed said: "People across Scotland have been shut out from their own futures and felt powerless to make the changes they want to see in their communities. Pride in Place is fixing that and putting power back where it belongs - in the hands of the people who have the knowledge, ambition and vision to make a real difference.

"We’re backing 14 neighbourhoods across Scotland with up to £20 million each, to put local people back in the driving seat to revitalise their communities and shape their futures."