Fund offering millions open

Scotland Loves Local is offering match funding

A woman standing outside Scotmid Coop Store Front
Scotmid staff feature in a new campaign video for Scotland Loves Local

FUNDING applications are now open for the Scotland Loves Local campaign’s latest grant scheme.

The Scottish Government funded project – which aims to transform towns and neighbourhoods – is offering match funding between £5,000 and £25,000. Funds are available for projects run by groups like town centre partnerships, chambers of commerce or community and charity trusts.

Administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, the campaign aims to support activities that stimulate the local economy by increasing footfall and activity.

Applications can be made via the campaign’s website until 1 October at 5pm. The Loves Local Fund has £2 million worth of grant money available this financial year.

The fund launch follows on from Scotmid’s recent backing of the campaign.

Scotland’s largest independent retail co-operative has thrown its weight behind the programme, with Scotmid staff appearing in a new campaign video with the message “It has never been more critical to choose local.”

John Brodie, chief executive at Scotmid, said: “Scotmid’s core purpose is to serve our communities and improve people’s everyday lives, so we are delighted to support an initiative with the same objective.

“Throughout the pandemic, communities have depended on local businesses working tirelessly to meet their changing needs. We must continue to support those who have been there for us; local businesses are a key part of the post-pandemic revival.”