SCOTLAND TO BENEFIT FROM 4M COASTAL COMMUNITIES FUND - Alexander

22-Feb-2012

Organisations across Scotland will be able to apply for funding from the Coastal Communities Fund from April, allowing them to support the economic development of a wide range of projects including those that support charities, the environment, education and health.

Scottish organisations will be able to express interest from March and make formal bids on the £4m fund in April. The Highlands is to receive £1.85m from the fund, with £2.05m for the rest of Scotland from the overall £23.7m available throughout the UK.

The Fund will be financed by the Government and will be equal to 50% of the revenues generated by the Crown Estate's marine activities and will be UK wide. Funding for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be determined by the amount of revenue generated in each country.

The UK Government is working with the Big Fund, part of the Big Lottery Fund, to find the best ways to deliver benefits for Scotland's communities.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, said:

"Having grown up in a coastal community in Scotland, I am only too aware of the vital role these communities play in the UK. It is fair that we share the Crown Estate's marine revenues equally and I am delighted to launch the Coastal Communities fund prospectus today.

"We look forward to receiving innovative bids from charities, businesses, social enterprises and local organisations, which support the economic development of the community."