FUNDING of up to £25,000 is being made available to transform towns and neighbourhoods.

The Scotland Loves Local Fund aims to encourage people to think local first and support businesses in their community.

Paul McLennan, East Lothian MSP and a councillor for the Dunbar and East Linton ward, called on local groups to explore the possibility of securing funding.

It provides match funding of between £5,000 and £25,000 for projects run by groups such as town centre partnerships, chambers of commerce or community and charity trusts.

Administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, it aims to bring new, suitable, creative projects and activity to towns and neighbourhoods – helping build local wealth and increase footfall and activity. Eligible projects could include community shops, marketing and digital schemes, or enabling the delivery of larger construction projects.

Mr McLennan said: “This funding will not only enable the great potential of our towns and neighbourhoods to be realised – giving them the opportunity to recover from the impact of the pandemic – but will allow communities in East Lothian to create a stronger, fair and more sustainable futures for our county, with localism at the very centre.

“Whether it be used to fund small-scale improvements or adaptations, investment in climate or active travel programmes, home delivery digital schemes, pop up shops and markets, or the direct funding or expansion of Scotland Loves Local loyalty card schemes – locals will have the opportunity to decide how best to improve their community.

“I would encourage interested organisations across East Lothian to get their applications in.”