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Strengthening Scotland’s communities
£2.5 million for regeneration projects.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced support for almost 80 organisations delivering regeneration projects, to realise the economic potential of Scotland’s communities.
She confirmed that more than £2.5 million has been allocated from the Strengthening Communities Programme in 2025-26 to continue supporting 62 organisations and begin work with a further 15. The funding will address various challenges across Scotland’s communities such as employability, population retention, a need for housing, tourism and heritage initiatives, and the expansion and development of community food hubs.
Now in its 13th year, the Programme has helped hundreds of local organisations to bring economic, social and environmental benefits to their local communities. The programme delivered 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.
The Deputy First Minister announced the funding on a visit to a former vacant department store in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, which has been transformed into a community and enterprise hub with the help of Scottish Government funding. Number 30 The Square now houses a cafe, cinema, retail space, learning and training rooms, event space, a gallery and co-working centre.
Ms Forbes 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.”
“Number 30 The Square is a shining example of how a community can come together to improve lives locally. And I’m glad to confirm that this kind of work will continue.”
Jamie Wilkinson, Chair of Huntly Development Trust which led the redevelopment of Number 30 and now owns and operates the community asset, said:
“Strengthening Communities Programme funding was crucial in the formative years of Huntly Development Trust. It gave us the breathing space to focus on developing our vision and strategy, without the normal worry of sourcing income.”
“Without this crucial early support, the Trust could not have developed and grown, and over time achieved what it subsequently has. We are delighted that the Scottish Government have chosen to announce a new round of funding at Number 30.”
Background
Huntly Development Trust participated in the Strengthening Communities Programme for four years from 2014-15 to 2017-18, with support provided by their programme partner Development Trusts Association Scotland and direct funding totalling £166,171.
A full list of Organisations receiving support can be found at Strengthening Scotland’s communities – gov.scot
