Transport Minister Keith Brown has launched the latest round of the Stations Community Regeneration Fund (SCRF) following the success of previous rounds.

The fund means that disused station premises across Scotland could have a new lease of life as a result of a £1m cash injection.

To date, almost £900,000 has been awarded from the fund which has helped transform a disused space into community projects such as art galleries, heritage centres, cafes and a bike repair centre.

The latest pot of £100,000 is now available for further projects to also benefit.

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Mr Brown said: "The Stations Community Regeneration Fund is a prime example of how targeted investment can help stimulate economic growth while bringing community benefits.

"We have already seen good examples of this funding creating win-win situations through facilities such as cafes and heritage centres and artist studios. Passengers are already benefitting from improved facilities at stations while job opportunities are created.

"I look forward to other similarly imaginative and innovative proposals from both individuals and organisations for regenerating empty station buildings in their own communities."

The SCRF will be managed and administered by ScotRail with applications being evaluated by Transport Scotland. The initiative is one of 28 that have benefited from an investment fund of more than £70m, managed by Transport Scotland, which has been created to improve Scotland's railways.

The SCRF can be used to carry out structural repairs to buildings not covered under the Network Rail/Train Operating Company lease agreement and to meet up to 50% of fit-out costs of the building for its intended use.

(JP/CD)