£20m local energy fund for Scotland

Community partners will be able to bid for a new £20 million local energy challenge fund that will boost the energy industry and help the trades, Alex Salmond announced today.

The First Minister said the fund will help reshape how energy is delivered and used in communities throughout the country, confirming Scotland’s position as a global leader in renewables and low carbon development.

Mr Salmond was speaking ahead of today’s cabinet meeting in Arbroath, the final meeting before next month’s referendum.

From today, local partnerships including community groups, charities, local authorities, housing associations, universities and businesses can apply to set up low-carbon energy pilot projects in their areas, through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) Local Energy Challenge Fund.

The Scottish Government’s target is to see 500 MW of renewables in the community and locally-owned by 2020. The Fraser of Allander Institute has now estimated that this target will be worth up to £2.2 billion over the lifetime of associated projects.

The First Minister said: “Today, my cabinet colleagues and I will undertake a series of visits in Arbroath, seeing first hand some of the great success stories of the Scottish economy.

“The new local energy challenge fund is a prime example of that. It is an opportunity to build on Scotland’s outstanding strength in renewable and low carbon energy and to reshape how energy is delivered and used in communities throughout the country.

“Renewable energy is extremely valuable to Scotland’s economy, reducing our carbon emissions and in providing low carbon energy supplies, as well as jobs and long term investment.

“I am confident this fund will help facilitate some of the country’s most innovative and exciting energy projects, and it cements our position as a global leader in renewables and low carbon development.”

First Minister announces multi-million pound regeneration boost

Communities in Rutherglen and Dalmarnock are to benefit from a £4.48 million funding boost which will extend the legacy of the Commonwealth Games, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.

The Scottish Government has provided the funding to Clyde Gateway URC to support the physical regeneration of the area and help create new jobs for the local area.

Projects funded are based near 2014 Commonwealth Games venues and Athletes’ Village and include a £4 million investment in safe and attractive pedestrian and cycle routes, as well as schemes to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of people in the area.

New pedestrian routes will connect Glasgow’s SMART bridge with new commercial development plots at Shawfield’s National Business District, and South Dalmarnock with public transport at the upgraded Dalmarnock railway station.

These pathways will also enhance and improve the main pedestrian and vehicle routes serving the Commonwealth Games.

The investment will ensure necessary regeneration work is undertaken before the Commonwealth Games begin.

The First Minister made today’s announcement during a visit to the Aspire Church building, which is currently rented by the Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust, which has received £436,000 in funding.

The Trust aims to convert the building from its previous use as a housing office into a community space which will house a range of services and projects including health, IT and employment advice.

Mr Salmond made the visit with the Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games, Shona Robison, after the Scottish Cabinet’s public referendum Q&A event in Rutherglen.

He said: “The impact of the Commonwealth Games will reach across Scotland but the epicentre is here in the Clyde Gateway area. This is why additional funding for community regeneration initiatives in this area are vital.”

£60m to be invested in jobs and growth

First Minister Alex Salmond has announced a £60 million investment for new businesses across Scotland that will boost 43 development projects and support employment.

£20 million of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) will support total investment of £60 million in the successful projects to be run by businesses, local government and the third sector.

All have a focus on youth employment and will be implemented almost immediately, delivering business competitiveness, innovation and improving employment opportunities to people throughout Scotland.

The funding will help to start over 700 businesses, support a further 5000 businesses to grow and create over 3000 jobs including employment opportunities for young people.

GDP figures published by the Scottish Government show that Scotland’s economy has grown faster than the UK over the last year to quarter two, with the economy growing for the fourth consecutive quarter.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “This week we have seen employment reach its highest level since 2008 with our youth unemployment rate continuing to fall. These positive figures highlight the significant economic progress being made in Scotland, however, there is still more to be done. .

“In June the Scottish Government asked for proposals from across the country, from organisations including local authorities, the third sector, small business and our universities of ways in which they could support economic development, create jobs and build new businesses.

“This funding will support 43 projects, help to start 778 businesses, encourage a further 5000 businesses to grow and create over 3000 jobs.

“Each project will create opportunities for our young people and will contribute to Scotland’s sustainable economic growth.

“The Scottish Government is using every tool at our disposal to support jobs and invest in recovery. With the powers of independence and the freedom to use our own resources in the best interests of Scotland we could boost the economy even further and ensure all our young people benefit from Scotland’s economic recovery.”