Fife is to receive a share of a £10 million fund to deliver new business hubs in four Scottish communities, it has emerged.
Much of the investment will go towards projects aiming to breathe new life into parts of west Fife affected by the closure of Longannet Power Station in March.
The Scottish Government confirmed that Local Economic Development Funds will be used to deliver a variety of business infrastructure projects, including an enterprise hub in Kincardine, small industrial workshops, spaces for small and growing businesses as well as a new industrial business space.
Clackmannanshire, Fife, Hawick and Irvine will all benefit, with £2.7 million going to Fife Council directly to support an enterprise hubs and industrial workshops in Kincardine to support diversification and business growth.
Eight new industrial units are also planned for the Fife town, with site infrastructure, for small and medium-sized enterprises to meet a current shortage of such units in the area.
Paul Wheelhouse, minister for business, innovation and energy, said: “As was made clear in the Programme for Government, we wanted to introduce measures to boost business confidence and keep our economy moving.
“I’m pleased to now be able to confirm the four areas that will receive a share of the £10 million, I have no doubt that these projects will help to drive our economy and provide a real benefit to people across the country.
“In the wake of the EU referendum, we have committed to protecting Scotland’s interests, particularly our economic interests.
“We have been working to ensure that money reaches businesses, communities and individuals where it is most needed.
“Local businesses can be the engines of our economy and strong local economies are crucial to our success.”
Projects were assessed against a range of criteria including how quickly work can start, the number of jobs that will be supported or created, the likely impact on the supply chain and geographic spread.
As well as the money being ploughed into Fife, £2 million will go to Clackmannanshire Council to support the creation of business units and a community enterprise hub, as well as support for growing businesses to relocate to more suitable premises to aid expansion.
A total of £3.625 million has been earmarked for Scottish Borders Council to help deliver the Hawick Action Plan, with a number of projects key to revitalising Hawick set to be boosted.
The remaining £1.675 million will be spent on business infrastructure in the Irvine area, designed to attract growth companies and investments from the life and chemical sciences sector.
