A project to rejuvenate a Glasgow park and reduce flood risks in the area has received £115,000 of Scottish Government funding.
The funding for the project in Penilee Park, which the council says is currently underused, comes from the government’s Nature Restoration Fund, which is administered by NatureScot.
The £1.2 million Glasgow City Council project, as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal, aims to improve the looks and biodiversity of the park as well as reducing the burden of heavy rain on the area’s sewers.
Construction work on better access to the park, natural play areas, and channels for storing surface water run-off has already started this week.
Leader of Glasgow City Council Susan Aitken said: “At the local level, lessening flood risk unlocks development potential and encourages investment in the area.
“However this City Deal-backed Surface Water Management Plan also offers enhanced greenspace and improved active travel routes for the community to enjoy, all of which contributes towards meeting the city’s wider sustainability and low-carbon goals.
“I was delighted to hear about the NatureScot funding which will play a key part in helping to progress this important climate adaptation project in Penilee.”
NatureScot Head of Biodiversity Dr Katherine Leys added: “Through the Nature Restoration Fund we can support projects across Scotland to tackle the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, restore nature and improve the health and wellbeing of local communities.
“This Glasgow City Deal project is an excellent example of nature-based solutions being used to manage flood risk and enhance greenspace, bringing many benefits to the local environment and the people of Penilee.
“We are excited to see the positive difference this project will make to the area.”
The UK and Scottish governments have each contributed £500 million to the Glasgow City Deal as a whole, and the Nature Restoration Fund provides £65 million to improve nature and local communities across Scotland.
