Plans to revitalise Scotland's town centres have been unveiled by Local Government Minister Derek Mackay.

The Town Centre Action Plan is a cross-government response to the independent National Review of Town Centres report which was published in July.

The Action Plan has addressed the recommendations of the Review and outlined proposed joint working between public, private and community sectors.

The action plan includes:

• Expanding the 'Fresh Start' business rates relief from property with a rateable value of £45,000 to £65,000
• £2m to help bring empty town centre properties back into use
• Work with Cosla to develop a town centre first principle, illustrated by demonstration projects
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• Powers for local authorities to establish Town Centre Investment Zones
• £120,000 for Town Centre Charettes
• A competition for entrepreneurs for regeneration ideas
• Local government minister named as dedicated minister for town centres
• Maintaining the Small Business Bonus Scheme for the life of the current parliament
• Identify support priorities for Business Improvement District projects
• Investigating expanding Scottish Future Trust "place-based reviews" that encourage town planning decisions with communities at the core.

Making the announcement, Mr Mackay said: "The Scottish Government is determined that our town centres should be vibrant, attractive and safe places where local people and visitors alike want to spend their time and money.

"They should be accessible places which invite business start-up and inspire innovative ideas from all walks of the community. We welcomed the independent review earlier this year and the crucial role it will play in the regeneration of high streets across Scotland.

"We recognise the importance of securing the future of our high streets as the economic centre of our towns.

"The plan marks a new era for Scotland's town centres and we will continue to work in partnership with local authorities, private and community organisations to ensure they are vibrant places to live, work and socialise."

(JP/CD)