A total of £600,000 has been allocated to West Lothian from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment programme for 2023/24.

The programme aims to support projects which support shared local plans and aspirations, with a priority given to those which support Community Wealth Building.

For more details or to apply, please visit Place Based Investment Programme 2023-2024. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 2 August 2023.

Executive councillor for Economy, Community Empowerment and Wealth Building Kirsteen Sullivan said: “I would encourage any local organisations or groups with suitable capital projects to come forward.

“Community Wealth Building is about ensuring that wealth is locally owned and benefits local people. We want to work in partnership with communities and businesses to build a strong local economy which supports fair work, encourages local spend and uses the land and property we own for the common good.

“The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 2 August 2023, and I hope to see a range of applications that will make a real difference to people in West Lothian.”

Previous examples of successful Place Based Investment projects include: West Lothian Food Bank, who were successful in a bid of £188,697 for their market garden project; and £129,602 for Craigsfarm Community Development Project to refurbish and upgrade their facilities which are in community ownership.