Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has urged local community groups in Mid Scotland and Fife to submit bids to the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund.
His call comes after the UK Government launched the second round of the fund which is worth £150 million.
The fund can allow community groups to take control of pubs, music venues, sports facilities, historic buildings and other facilities for the benefit of the public, which could otherwise be lost forever.
The first round of the UK Government’s fund saw six groups in Scotland share over £1.2 million in funding.
Now Mr Fraser has called on community groups to come together to bid for funding to help support the buildings that mean the most to them in Mid Scotland and Fife. The eligibility criteria for the fund has also been extended meaning more groups in the region can apply.
Commenting, Mr Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: “It is welcome to see this fund from the UK Government open up once again.
“The first round of funding delivered significant funding delivered to help save much loved assets across Scotland and I would encourage community groups in Mid Scotland and Fife to bid to this fund.
“If there is a local asset at risk in Mid Scotland and Fife that you do not wish to lose from your community, then the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund can help to safeguard it.”
Mr Fraser added: “Successful bids can enable community assets to thrive once again as well as helping accelerate the economic recovery in Mid Scotland and Fife. The Community Ownership Fund is just one example of how the UK Government is directly investing and supporting communities in the region.”
