The £25m Regeneration Capital Grant Fund will support 22 locally developed place-based projects that tackle inequalities and promote sustainable and inclusive economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Also in Edinburgh, a new multi-use community hub with an early years centre for 185 children, a library and additional space for North Edinburgh Arts has been awarded £2m while an industrial unit in Granton Waterfront, part of the council’s £1.3 billion sustainable regeneration project in the area, being transformed into a vibrant creative and community hub by arts charity Edinburgh Palette, has received £1.7m.

Council leader Adam McVey said: “This funding comes as a fantastic endorsement for the work we’re doing to create equal and sustainable communities in North Edinburgh. Coming just before Christmas at a very difficult time for communities still struggling to cope with the effects of the pandemic it is very welcome news indeed.

“It will help enormously with our multi-use hub adding to our major success story in regenerating North Edinburgh. It’s so exciting to see this joint project with North Edinburgh Arts getting this recognition and endorsement. As well as a cultural hub, the funding will help provide an accessible library and quality early years care at the heart of the community.”

Depute leader Cammy Day said: “In recent years our North Edinburgh regeneration project has brought massive positive change and a more equal and sustainable future for the communities living in the Pennywell and Muirhouse areas. It’s great to see further investment completing our regeneration at MacMillan Square.

“The pandemic is very much still with us and I’m so pleased communities in North Edinburgh have some inspiration and great news for the New Year. This further investment for our creative and community hub at Granton Waterfront enhances our £1.3bn wider Granton Waterfront project and follows on from our work with communities building new homes and facilities nearby.  I’m pleased to see the new hub being delivered for us by Edinburgh Palette in Granton Waterfront is receiving the recognition it deserves.”

Aberdeenshire Council and the community of Tarlair are celebrating the announcement that they are to receive £1,458,000 to breathe new life into a former lido pavilion.

The £1.8m project will involve the Friends of Tarlair community group bringing the once-popular art deco facility back into use for both local residents and visitors.

Nestled in a sheltered bay east of Macduff, the refurbished community facility will feature a cafe and an art heritage workshop.

Studio Octopi in partnership with Heritage Architecture were appointed earlier this year with funding assistance secured from Aberdeenshire Council’s Macduff Vision and Action Plan to lead the restoration project.

Friends of Tarlair will now look to secure match-funding for the remaining pavilion project costs and in due course will hope to source funds for development of the swimming pool.

Councillor Peter Argyle, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee, said: “This is truly fantastic news for both ourselves and Tarlair and I am delighted that we will be working in partnership with the community on this project. This successful funding bid underlines the passion, drive and collaboration between the community and ourselves to get this restoration underway and I look forward to see this project progressing in the New Year.”

Cllr Doreen Mair, chair of the Banff and Buchan area committee, said: “The community has really pulled out all the stops to get this project off the ground and to get such significant funding is great news for everyone involved. Of course, now the really hard work begins, but I have every faith that this collaborative project between Aberdeenshire Council and the community will be a tremendous success.”

Chair of the Macduff Development Partnership, Councillor Ross Cassie, added: “The positive economic and recreational impacts this will have on the local community will be really welcome for the town. Bring this iconic art deco building back to life will be a huge boost to the local community and promote active outdoor enjoyment, and health benefits for the local area, in addition to drawing in visitors from afar to enjoy the facility.”