Housing minister Margaret Burgess MSP has announced the award of an additional £3 million for Clyde Gateway to support further development of vacant and derelict sites in Dalmarnock, Rutherglen and Shawfield.

Clyde Gateway, a 20-year project which began in 2008, is a partnership between Glasgow City Council, South Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Enterprise, backed by funding and support from the Scottish Government.

The new investment will help towards plans for new business units and factories that are expected to provide local employment opportunities and to create sustainable, social and economic growth.

Mrs Burgess said: “It is vital we continue the regeneration of South Lanarkshire and Glasgow’s east end, which will serve to maintain the long-term legacy of the Commonwealth Games.

“Since long before the Games took place, we have witnessed a steady transformation of an area once viewed as one of Scotland’s most deprived.

“We have taken care to ensure the transformation is more than an urban makeover. Its purpose is to tackle inequalities, create jobs and opportunities, ultimately improving the lives of those who live in the area.”

Ian Manson, chief executive of Clyde Gateway, added: “This additional funding from the Scottish Government, together with the commitment given to our long-term future, will be welcomed right across the east end and South Lanarkshire.

“This is a reward for the hard work we have been putting in, together with our two council partners, Scottish Enterprise and with the support of the local community, to ensure the Clyde Gateway regeneration has a clear and immediate impact.

“At the same time, it also acknowledges just how much more still needs to be done to address continued challenges around worklessness, educational attainment and poor health, all of which must be overcome if we are to deliver a lasting, meaningful and sustainable legacy.”