SEPA launch consultation on review of areas most at risk of flooding

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is consulting on a review of Potentially Vulnerable Areas (PVAs) to protect communities from future impacts of flooding, as the number of homes, businesses and services at risk across Scotland is projected to increase by around 40% by the 2080s due to climate change.

PVAs are areas where significant flood risk exists now or is likely to occur in the future and are used to identify locations where a partnership approach may be required to resolve widespread and often complex flooding issues.

They inform Scotland’s Flood Risk Management (FRM) Plans and Local Flood Risk Management Plans and become the focus of FRM actions, helping responsible authorities to prioritise investment and coordinate actions to reduce the impacts of flooding on communities.

Identifying PVAs is an essential part of protecting people, properties, businesses, communities, infrastructure, and our environment, with an estimated 284,000 homes, businesses and services across Scotland currently identified as at risk of flooding.

This winter, SEPA issued a record number of regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings to the public. A total of 720 messages were sent between 1st September 2023 and 16th February 2024. The previous record of 714 was set over autumn and winter 2015/16.

Siobhan McNulty, Flood Risk Planning Manager at SEPA, said: “Scotland is witnessing an increasing number of extreme weather events and flooding presents a growing threat to our communities.

“It is vital we work together with partners and communities to identify the areas most at risk so we can work together to increase Scotland’s resilience to flooding. PVAs are the first step in this process.”

Informing Scotland’s flood risk management process

Since PVAs were first identified in 2011, SEPA have worked together with partners including local authorities and Scottish Water to plan and deliver actions to manage flood risk in the places where it is needed most.

Based on the National Flood Risk Assessment, PVAs are updated and published by SEPA every six years as required by the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009. The designation of PVAs takes into consideration past, current and future flood risk from rivers, the sea and surface water using recorded events, observations and strategic flood modelling.

SEPA are now consulting on proposed updates to PVAs for 2024. The review will focus on smaller, community-based target areas set within wider zones of influence to provide clearer information on how flood risk is tackled in Scotland.

Once the PVAs are formally designated by Scottish Ministers, SEPA will then prepare FRM plans to set objectives and actions for reducing flood risk. The local FRM plans published by each lead local authority will then provide more detail, including timescales and funding.

Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy Màiri McAllan said: “Managing our exposure to floods and their impacts is a significant and growing challenge as climate change brings more severe and frequent flood events.

“Improving resilience to flooding is a priority for the Scottish Government, so I welcome the launch of this consultation and I encourage all parties with a potential interest to engage with it.”

Helping communities at greatest flood risk

One community that has historically suffered from flooding is Stonehaven, which has been designated a PVA since the first cycle in 2011.

Several actions have since been identified and delivered through flood risk management plans developed by SEPA and Aberdeenshire Council, with input from the Stonehaven Flood Action Group and the wider community.

These include the completion of the Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme which is designed to protect against flooding from the Glaslaw Burn and the River Carron, and benefits around 370 homes and businesses by reducing fluvial flooding. Other actions that have been delivered for Stonehaven are a new coastal flood warning system, updated coastal flood hazard maps and the completion of the Stonehaven Bay coastal flood study.

Cllr Alan Turner, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “I was delighted to see the completion of the Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme. This demonstrates real progress being made to mitigate flooding impacts in the town.

“The scheme was built following consultation and engagement with the residents, businesses, and the Stonehaven Flood Action Group. That entire process started with a PVA assessment, where coordinated actions were established through PVA recommendations.”

“A PVA designation is an invaluable aid – firstly in the understanding of potential impacts of flooding and secondly through the implementation of tangible solutions which will provide reassurance to communities.”

Have your say on PVAs

While the designation of PVAs is a science and evidence-led process, feedback from public partners and local communities is key to making sure all relevant impacts are taken into consideration.

Siobhan McNulty said: “Whether you have previously been affected by flooding or have concerns about potential future impacts for your home, business or community, we want to hear from you.

“Your views on the proposed PVAs will inform essential future flood risk management work so we can improve flooding resilience together and best prepare for a changing climate.”

You can respond to the consultation on PVAs via Citizen Space until 24 June 2024.

Islamic Relief UK distributes food this Ramadan

TODAY AT BLACKHALL MOSQUE

The charity, Islamic Relief UK, has launched its annual Ramadan food drive for 2024, to help the UK’s vulnerable communities who have been affected by rising poverty levels and the cost-of-living crisis.  

The food distribution will take places across the UK, in cities such as London, Birmingham, Leicester, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Luton and Nottingham, as the need is widespread. Islamic Relief will be working in collaboration with 18 of its local partners, such as food banks, mosques, football clubs, and local charities.  

According to research undertaken by Islamic Relief, and polling company Savanta (1), over half of people in the UK are struggling more with their bills and food prices than they were a year ago, and 30% of Brits are worried about having to use a food bank in the near future. The data points that almost all people in the UK, across all strata of society, have been negatively affected by the cost-of-living crisis and are concerned about the future.  

Tufail Hussain, director of Islamic Relief UK, adds: “Poverty in the UK has been exacerbated by years of the cost-of-living crisis, and families are struggling more than ever to put food on the table. It is imperative more than ever to come together as a community and support one another.” 

“The research we conducted spells a worrying outlook for the UK, with no community of social group spared from the tough reality of the cost-of-living crisis. But for the already vulnerable, the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers, the poor, it is catastrophic. Now more than ever we are so grateful for the outpouring of support that allows us to provide food distributions such as this one.” 

Locations and dates for the food distributions are as follows: 


-ENDS- 

Butcher reveals ‘world’s largest’ square sausage slice to mark first National Square Sausage Day

Ayrshire butcher We hae meat has created the ‘world’s largest’ square sausage slice to mark the inaugural National Square Sausage Day on 25 March. 

The giant square sausage slice – believed to be the largest ever produced – spans an impressive 30cm x 40cm, 25 times bigger than an average slice, and weighs in at 2.275KG. We hae meat teamed up with the Edinburgh-based Breadwinner Bakery who produced a colossal morning roll to fit the enormous sausage. 

Jamie (aged 8), Daisy (aged 8) and Leo (aged 9) from Dailly Primary School’s P4/5 class lent helping hands for the finishing touches, adding dollops of tomato and brown sauce.

Craig Chalmers, Commercial Manager, We hae meat said: “We produce more than 21 million slices of square sausage every year, but we wanted to challenge ourselves to do something really special to commemorate the first ever National Square Sausage Day.

“It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm for Scotland’s beloved square sausage since we announced the national day. Today, we’re inviting square sausage lovers in Scotland and beyond to join in the festivities by enjoying a square sausage breakfast, lunch or dinner.”

Pupil Jamie described the experience as “amazing,” saying, “The square sausage and the roll were huge – it was so much fun getting to be here to see it, and I know my friends at school are going to be really jealous!”

Established in 2007, We hae meat is a leading producer of premium meat products, operating from its Ayrshire farm and factory. The family business prides itself with a commitment to quality and traditional flavours, producing more than 21 million slices of square sausage a year. 

The farm-to-fork business is inviting families across Scotland to join in the celebration of the square sausage which, because it is thinner than a link sausage, takes less time and energy to cook, making it a more convenient and less energy-intensive alternative.

To mark the national day, We hae meat is also donating square sausage meals to the Dailly Community Pantry and all pupils and staff at Dailly Primary School, as well as sharing tips on social media on the best ways to cook and serve a slice.

We hae meat offers a skinny range, containing up to 75 per cent less fat and 45 per cent fewer calories than its standard range, offering a healthier alternative. For chippy lovers it also offers a ‘chippy-style’ range.

The company recently claimed the Green Family Business of the Year and Scottish Family Business of the Year awards at The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards, with the judges praising its sustainable practices.

We hae meat’s full range is available in major grocery retailers across Scotland, including Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Co-Op and Iceland. 

Fact file

  • Ingredients included: beef, bread rusk, water and seasoning.
  • The average square sausage slice weighs 65g; We hae meat’s ‘world’s largest’ slice weighs 35 times that at 2.275kg.
  • We hae meat produces more than 21 million square sausage slices a year.

To find out more, go to https://wehaemeat.com/ and follow We hae meat on Instagram or Facebook.

UK Government launches new social media campaign to ‘stop the boats’

Today marks the launch of the latest phase of the government’s global campaign to warn migrants of the consequences of entering the UK illegally

Every year, thousands of people are sold lies by organised criminal gangs who put profit before human life, smuggling people to the UK across one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, the English Channel.

The Home Secretary has launched a new campaign that will be rolled out in Vietnam, following successful social media activity in Albania last year which contributed to a 90% reduction in Albanian small boat arrivals.

Using real testimonies from those who regret coming to the UK illegally, the adverts highlight the risks and consequences people face if they turn to criminal gangs and attempt the dangerous journey.  

A migrant, referred to as K, shares his reality of sleeping in a camp in Calais for 5 nights under the supervision of armed guards, before taking the long journey across the Channel to the UK. He says: “Never again would I risk my life in a small boat, even if you bribed me.”

An increasing proportion of small boat migrants are Vietnamese, and they are 1 of the top 10 nationalities for migrants crossing the Channel illegally. 

The latest phase of the campaign, which will begin today (Monday 25 March), will harness social media adverts on Facebook and YouTube to directly target people who may be considering making dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK.  

The social media posts emphasise the consequences of travelling to the UK illegally and the dangers people can expect to face, as well as set out the risks of being indebted to and exploited by the people smuggling gangs who profit from facilitating small boat crossings. 

Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “This is a powerful campaign which demonstrates first-hand that life for people arriving here illegally is a far cry from the lies they have been sold by the gangs on the other side of the Channel. 

“Last year, similar work contributed to a 90% reduction in small boat arrivals from Albania, and overall numbers are down by a third, but there is more to do. 

“Expanding our campaign to Vietnam, another key partner in our work to tackle illegal migration, will help us to save more lives and dent the business model of the criminals who profit from this vile trade.”

The campaign warns prospective migrants of the reality of living in the UK illegally with no right to be in the UK and no access to public services or funding. 

It includes testimonies from Home Office Immigration Enforcement and Border Force officers, who all too often encounter illegal migrants who have been sold into modern slavery or illegal working by their smugglers. 

Illegal migrants can be forced to live in inhumane, cramped and hazardous conditions by criminal gangs, with no access to basic hygiene, healthcare or legal employment. 

The campaign’s social media adverts direct users to a new website with additional video content from Immigration Enforcement and Border Force officers who describe some of the shocking cases they’ve encountered and their experiences of rescuing small boat migrants from life-threatening danger in the Channel. 

This stage of the campaign follows successful social media activity by the UK government in Albania, France and Belgium, and is the latest step in the UK’s efforts to work jointly with countries across the world to tackle the global migration crisis.  

Similar campaigns are also being considered for other priority countries. 

UK and Vietnamese authorities already work closely to prevent illegal journeys to the UK and remove those with no right to be here. 

Senior officials from the UK and Vietnam are due to meet in London on 17 April to discuss working in even closer partnership on migration issues.

Building a fairer Scotland?

Yousaf: Delivering priorities on first anniversary of appointment

Fairness is at the heart of everything the Scottish Government does, First Minister Humza Yousaf said, as he looks forward to his first anniversary in post this week.

During his time as First Minister, Humzah Yousaf says he has focused on tackling poverty through investment in public services, building a new relationship with business, and helping people with the cost-of-living crisis.

Recently published analysis estimates that 100,000 children will be kept out of poverty in 2024-25 as a direct result of Scottish Government policies.

The First Minister set out the outcomes his Government aims to achieve by 2026 in Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership – A fresh start at the beginning of his tenure.

The First Minister said: “I have set clear missions for the Government I lead which are in the interests of everyone in Scotland. What drives me is fairness for all as we work to achieve better equality, greater opportunity, and safer communities.

“It is my passionate belief that Scotland will only reach its potential as a country when every single one of its citizens is able to reach their own potential.

“That means supporting them at times in their lives when they need it, and also ensuring they have access to high-quality jobs and thriving public services.

“Over the last year, my team in government has worked with the clear aims of delivering a just society and supportive business environment.

“We have worked with councils to agree a Council Tax freeze to provide much needed financial relief to Scottish households during the cost-of-living crisis, and we’ve invested a record £19.5 billion in our NHS – without losing a single day to pay-related strike action in our health system, uniquely in the UK.

“We have invested in and driven progress on Scotland’s huge renewables potential, which will support economic growth, with a pledge of up to £500 million to support the offshore wind industry.

“Unlike the UK as whole, Scotland has avoided entering a recession while recent business survey data shows stronger employment growth than anywhere else in the UK on top of long term growth in GDP per person almost double the UK average since 2007.

“And through our Techscaler network of start-up incubators, we are well on our way to delivering one of the finest state-funded entrepreneurial systems in the world, dedicated to the creation of high-growth businesses.

“Crucially, the policies of my Government will keep 100,000 children out of relative poverty and 70,000 out of absolute poverty in the coming year, according to recent modelling.

“We are making important progress on the missions I laid out for my Government – equality, opportunity and community, despite limited powers, and real terms cuts from the UK Government to Scotland’s budget.

“However, there is so much more we could do with the full powers of independence – that’s why we have published eleven papers so far in the Building a New Scotland series, with a twelfth publishing this week, to ensure voters are equipped with the information they need to make an informed choice on Scotland’s future.

“I am honoured every day to lead a government driven by clear values, and I am absolutely committed to continuing to make Scotland a better place to live, work and study for everyone who makes it their home.”

Sunak to strengthen UK’s nuclear deterrent

The Prime Minister will today declare a ‘national endeavour’ to secure the future of the UK’s defence and civil nuclear industry

  • Prime Minister to announce public and private investment to reinforce the nuclear workforce and support 40,000 expected new jobs
  • Government will commit more than £200m over the next decade to ensure Barrow thrives as the home of UK nuclear submarine-building
  • Defence Secretary will publish flagship Defence Nuclear Enterprise Command Paper later today to set out full scale of the UK’s national nuclear endeavour
  • UK’s energy security and national security depend on nuclear – and the industry needs more skilled British workers

The Prime Minister will today [Monday 25th] declare a ‘national endeavour’ to secure the future of the UK’s thriving defence and civil nuclear industry, as he visits Barrow-in-Furness and announces a significant package of investment in skills, jobs and communities. 

Domestic nuclear capability is vital to our national defence and energy security, underpinning our nuclear deterrent and securing cheaper, more reliable energy for UK consumers. The nuclear industry is growing rapidly, requiring 50% more highly skilled workers in the next ten years – and we need to train a new generation of British talent. 

The Government is partnering with industry, including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, EDF and Babcock, to invest at least £763 million by 2030 in skills, jobs and education. The investment will create more than 8,000 career opportunities to help the sector fill 40,000 new jobs by the end of the decade – and will support plans to double the number of nuclear apprentices and graduates and quadruple the number of specialist science and nuclear fission PhDs.

As the home of the UK’s Astute-class nuclear submarines – the most advanced attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy – and the new Dreadnought programme and UK AUKUS submarine production, the Cumbrian town of Barrow-in-Furness is also central to the UK’s defence nuclear ambitions. 

The Prime Minister will therefore announce today the creation of a Barrow Transformation Fund, with the Government committing an immediate £20 million and a further minimum of £20 million a year over the next 10 years to make Barrow an even more attractive place to live, work, and build a nuclear career. 

Building on these new investments, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will later today publish the Government’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise Command Paper, setting out for the first time the full breadth of activity to sustain and modernise the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent – a cornerstone of national and global security for more than 55 years. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Safeguarding the future of our nuclear deterrent and nuclear energy industry is a critical national endeavour. 

“In a more dangerous and contested world, the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent is more vital than ever. And nuclear delivers cheaper, cleaner home-grown energy for consumers. 

“That’s why we are investing in Barrow, the home of UK submarines, and in the jobs and skills of the future in the thriving British nuclear industry. Today we usher in the next generation of our nuclear enterprise, which will keep us safe, keep our energy secure, and keep our bills down for good.”

The Defence Command Paper will establish the UK’s nuclear programme as a critical ‘National Endeavour’ which is vital for our long-term security and prosperity.

It is expected to set out how the UK will deliver the capabilities necessary to maintain our independent nuclear deterrent – including progressing plans to bring new Dreadnought Class submarines into service in the early 2030s, deepening cooperation with our partners under the flagship AUKUS agreement and upgrading key infrastructure – supported by an additional £3 billion in funding for our nuclear enterprise announced last year.

The UK’s ambitious defence plans are underpinned by major new investment in Barrow.

To unlock Barrow’s huge potential and support a growing workforce, the Government will commit an initial £20 million forimmediate projects, including supporting people towards work, community projects and completing construction on the A595 Grizebeck Bypass, and a minimum of £20 million a year over 10 years to improve health outcomes, build more homes, develop the transport network and support local schools. 

The Barrow Transformation Fund will be managed by the Barrow Delivery Board in collaboration with local leaders, who will allocate funding to areas of greatest need.

Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems Chief Executive and member of the Nuclear Skills Executive Council said: “Barrow is at the heart of the UK’s submarine enterprise and as the custodian of our submarine design and build capability, we’re incredibly proud of the role we play in the Astute, Dreadnought and now SSN-AUKUS programmes.

“Today’s announcement reinforces the importance of continued investment in critical nuclear skills at a time of significant growth for our submarines business and our 13,500 employees.

“The long-term vision set out in the command paper is hugely welcome and will support the necessary infrastructure development and recruitment required for the delivery of these important national security programmes.”

David Lockwood, CEO Babcock International and member of the Nuclear Skills Executive Council said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the UK to deliver a stronger nuclear industry that will contribute to the resilience of the UK’s independent deterrent and will support the UK’s energy security ambitions and net zero targets. As well as providing bed-rock support for the ambitious development required across industry and government for the AUKUS programme.  

“Babcock is proud of the leading role it is taking in driving forward initiatives to retain and grow the critical mass of nuclear skills we need today and tomorrow.  We have a keen focus on our major nuclear sites in the South West of England and in Scotland and are determined to leverage the benefits of the NNSPS, with our customers and other industry partners, across the broader communities we serve.”

Simone Rossi, CEO EDF in the UK and member of the Nuclear Skills Executive Council said: “EDF welcomes the joint commitments announced today and looks forward to working with Government and industry to help deliver the great opportunities for people who choose to work in the nuclear sector.

“EDF has been at the heart of the UK’s nuclear energy sector for over 15 years and in 2024 is hiring a further 1,000 people into its UK nuclear family – in operations, construction, engineering support and many other exciting roles. The majority of these will be apprentices and graduates, as well as those with relevant skills from other industries. 

“As we have learned in recent years there is an urgent need to attract, train and inspire the next generation of people who can design, build, operate and decommission existing and new nuclear facilities.  We are excited to be part of this national endeavour.”

Steve Carlier, President at Rolls-Royce Submarines and member of the Nuclear Skills Executive Council said: “As a proud member of the Nuclear Skills Council and an important partner in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, we welcome news that the UK is going to go even further in its mission to meet the growing demand for nuclear expertise.

“It is an exciting and fascinating time for the industry as both civil and defence organisations collaborate to ensure we all have a strong and sustainable pipeline of talent coming into the world of nuclear.

“Nuclear has the power to protect and help meet the growing demand for clean energy, so news of the UK’s commitment to this unique industry is a sign of its importance.

“From opening our Nuclear Skills Academy, which welcomes 200 apprentices every year for at least the next decade, and our recently announced site expansion work, which is creating over 1,000 new highly-skilled jobs in Derby, to new satellite offices creating almost 300 jobs in Glasgow and Cardiff, Rolls-Royce is playing a pivotal role in supporting this national endeavour.” 

As part of today’s visit, the Prime Minister is expected to meet apprentices working on the Royal Navy’s cutting-edge nuclear submarines. The UK’s nuclear industry is going through an unprecedented period of growth, driven by the Government’s ambitious nuclear energy targets, and is expected to need 123,000 people by 2030.

The investment in nuclear skills – which includes £350 million from the Government and more than £400m from industry – will create some 5,000 new apprenticeships in the next four years. It will also drive private investment and create job opportunities for everyone from specialist scientists and engineers, to welders and electricians, to project managers and Royal Navy submariners. 

This follows the major reforms and £60 million worth of investment outlined by the Prime Minister following the Spring Budget to enable 20,000 more apprenticeships and slash unnecessary regulatory burdens.

D Mains Park incident: Man arrested and charged following Police appeal

POLICE have traced a man in connection with an incident in the Davidson’s Mains area of Edinburgh around 4.20pm on Tuesday, 17 October, 2023. 

The 28-year-old was arrested and charged and is due to appear in court at a later date. 

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “I’d like to thank everyone who shared our appeal and came forward with information.” 

UK Government saves six vital community spaces from closure in Scotland

Six vital community assets in Scotland have been saved from closure, thanks to £3.8m announced by the UK Government yesterday.

This investment from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Community Ownership Fund will ensure these beloved establishments are protected, ensuring they will be around for generations to come.  

This funding will maintain more community spaces for people to enjoy, helping to bolster local economies as well as contributing to the government’s wider mission to grow the economy.

Across the United Kingdom, the Department announced £33.5m yesterday to save more than 80 projects in our communities.  

Projects receiving funding in Scotland include:  

Crookfur House: 

A revival of facilities in a supported living estate in East Renfrewshire to create a fit for purpose and needs led community hub. Thanks to this government cash boost, this group will be able to reap the rewards of a new café, community spaces and support staff offices.

Filmhouse: 

Reopening of a new and improved cinema in Edinburgh that will be sustainable for generations to come. The venue will screen films that would not otherwise be accessible as well as host up and coming film festivals to be enjoyed by local people and visitors. 

Penicuik Youth Hub: 

Transforming this community centre in Midlothian into a ‘Youth Hub for excellence’, providing dedicated spaces for young people to have more sporting and performing arts opportunities in their local area. 

Castlemilk Community Football Trust: 

New money to create high-quality sporting facilities in Glasgow with the aim to increase community engagement in football and other grassroots sports. They will also provide fitness classes and community social events and activities.    

Jacob Young, Minister for Levelling Up, said:  “We know how much these vital community assets mean to people across the country.

“They are an important lifeline for people young and old, and they’re the beating heart of our towns, cities and villages. That’s why we’re stepping in to protect them with a major rescue package, so we stop these great establishments closing or being lost forever and ensure that they continue to sit at the heart of our beloved communities.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Donald Cameron – Lord Cameron of Locheil – said: “Congratulations to the six Scottish projects receiving more than £3.8m in the latest round of the UK Government’s local asset saving Community Ownership Fund.  

“It was a pleasure to visit Filmhouse, Edinburgh, and see first-hand just how much it meant for them to be awarded £1.54 million to help re-open this much cherished venue. 

“The other winners – Macaulay College in the Western Isles, Castlemilk Community Football Trust in Glasgow and community centres in Penicuik, Kilmarnock and Newton Mearns – means that 47 community assets right across Scotland are sharing almost £17 million from the fund. 

“I encourage community groups across Scotland to see if they might be eligible to apply for the next and final round. Overall the UK Government is now investing more than £3 billion into levelling up across Scotland.”

Among the projects receiving funding is the Edinburgh Filmhouse which opened in 1979 but became run down over time and had to close in 2022.

It will now receive £1.5million so that it can open its doors again, and the newly refurbished venue will screen the best new films from across the globe. 

Ginnie Atkinson, Director, Filmhouse, Edinburgh said: “We are delighted that our bid for UK Government Community Ownership Fund investment has been successful.

“Many have dreamed of Filmhouse re-opening and this will make it possible not just to re-open but to create a fully refurbished cinema venue that meets modern audience expectations. It will also allow us to add a small, multi-use, fourth screen which will help optimise the diverse cultural programme of films and be available for education activities.”

Previous beneficiaries of the scheme in Scotland include:    

Bailliefields Community Hub SCIO, Graham Thomson, Trustee said: “Receipt of the COF award was a significant milestone in the Phase 2 redevelopment of Bailliefields Community Hub.

“The award has allowed us to progress our project and appoint a building contractor. The contractor has commenced on site in early March 2024 with the project scheduled for completion by end of July 2024. 

“Once completed then the building will provide a warm, welcoming and vibrant community space for various groups in our area including our dementia group, disability group, local schools and a local children’s nursery. This will be an interesting repurposing of an existing building.£

Gordon Rural Action’s Laura McNeil, funding and retail support, said: “The Community Ownership Fund, along with The MacRobert Trust, has allowed us to complete the purchase of the building housing our Bike Recycling project.

“The purchase will allow us to secure the future of the building, ensuring we can continue to stop bikes reaching landfill, help people access bikes and opportunities to exercise, while teaching people new skills and offering employment and volunteering options. 

“The project employs 5 people, 2 of which are young people who we have employed in a traineeship to give them positive future outcomes. Last year we had 360 bikes donated and put 200 bikes back into the community.”

This is the third announcement of funding from the third round of the Community Ownership Fund, bringing the total spending from the pot to more than £103m with 333 projects rescued so far. 

Scottish projects in this round will be supported with £3.8 million of funding, with a further £2.8 million for Northern Ireland and £3.1 million for Wales. So far, the Community Ownership Fund has awarded a total £17 million for 47 projects in Scotland; £8.1 million for 31 projects in Northern Ireland and over £7 million for 24 projects in Wales. 

Since Round 1 of the Fund, Ministers have funded all bids which have passed the criteria for successful applications. This approach allows the Department to fund the maximum number of projects. In future windows ministers may choose to prioritise funding to underrepresented areas to help even out any regional imbalances.

The next round of the Community Ownership Fund, Round 4, is the final round. There will be two bidding windows in Round 4 to allocate remaining funding. The next bidding window, Round 4 Window 1, will open on 25 March 2024 and close on 10 April 2024.