The Scottish Government has announced a £14 million cash boost to transform disadvantaged areas in Scotland.

Housing and welfare minister Margaret Burgess and Cllr Stephen Hagan, COSLA Spokesperson for Development, Economy and Sustainability revealed that a total of 18 local projects will receive a share of £14.3m from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF). This is the second round of funding to be delivered under RCGF, which is already providing 22 projects with £27.6m in grant support.

The fund has been developed by the Scottish Government in partnership with local authorities to deliver new and improved infrastructure in deprived areas.

Overall, £50m is being invested through the fund in the period 2014/15 and 2015/16, including £8m being set aside for Urban Regeneration Companies (URCs) to further support the successful regeneration of some of our most disadvantaged communities.

Awards to be made in the latest funding round include:

Mrs Burgess said: “Regenerating disadvantaged communities is a key priority for the Scottish Government, and I am delighted to join with COSLA in announcing this £14m investment in 18 projects under the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

“Not only will these projects help transform neighbourhoods and deliver real benefits to local communities, but they will also contribute to stimulating economic growth by supporting and creating jobs.

“This announcement brings the total number of projects to receive funding under RCGF to 40, and increases our overall joint investment to £50 million over a two-year period.

“I am pleased that COSLA continues to work with us on this initiative. It is a great example of how by working together Scotland’s public bodies are delivering real improvements in local communities for the benefit of those who live there.”

Councillor Stephen Hagan added: “I am pleased that again the joint COSLA and Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) is helping to improve the physical, economic, and social outcomes across communities in Scotland, resulting in long term strategic and transformational change.

“Such large scale regeneration projects help deliver wider impacts of employment, land remediation, and improving existing infrastructure, along with levering in additional funding from a variety of sources.

“Local authorities remain committed to regeneration activity, and funds such as the RCGF allow communities to achieve their vision for enhancing their local areas by delivering viable and sustainable regeneration outcomes.”