The UK Government has announced 10 projects in Scotland will share £177m of levelling up funding.
Almost £27m will be sent to Shetland for a new ferry for the Fair Isle, £20m will help turn Arbuthnot House in Aberdeenshire into a museum and library, as well as modernising Macduff Aquarium, and £20m will refurbish the Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said his government aims to “build a future of optimism and pride in people’s lives”.
Previous Westminster levelling up attempts have been criticised by the Scottish Government, with accusations of undermining devolution by passing funds directly to local authorities.
Sunak said: “Through greater investment in local areas, we can grow the economy, create good jobs and spread opportunity everywhere.
“That’s why we are backing a number of projects with new transformational funding to level up local communities in Scotland.
“By reaching even more parts of the country than before, we will build a future of optimism and pride in people’s lives and the places they call home.”
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said the announcement marks the government “firing the starting gun” on projects across the UK, with more than 100 others announced, while Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said it is “fantastic to see real momentum gathering as we level up across Scotland”.
He added: “We must and will continue to invest in initiatives that will make a difference to communities and help grow our economy.
“So far we have announced more than £2.26bn - including the two freeports confirmed last week - to bring prosperity and growth to Scotland that is crucial as we tackle the challenges associated with rising energy prices and the increased cost of living.”
Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael welcomed the news on funding for a new Fair Isle ferry.
“After some hard graft on the part of the council and local campaigners in bidding for funding it is enormously gratifying to see Fair Isle secure this investment for its new ferry,” he said.
“Well done to the officials who put the bid together and those in the community who have kept up the pressure.”
The other projects provided with funding include plans to demolish and re-route the A78 dual carriageway to improve Greenock, regenerate a park in Fife and an area of Stirling, as well as redevelop a multi-storey car park in Dundee.
Stirling Council leader councillor Chris Kane hailed the news that regeneration of the Forthside area has been awarded more than £19m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
“Securing this substantial funding for the development at Forthside is fantastic news for Stirling and the wider economy.
“The funding will enable the transformation of a key area close to the city centre and major transport links, unlocking opportunities for local businesses and inward investment that haven’t been seen in Stirling for a generation.
“Regenerating this prime under-utilised site is expected to create 1,000 additional jobs and deliver enhanced sustainable transport connections between the city centre, our communities and the wider region.”
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