Nine groups in Scotland are to benefit from a shared fund of almost £1m to improve their local communities.

The grant, worth £927,693, will be divided between the groups to allow them to carry out the required works.

The recipients are:

• Aigas Community Forest (£221,000) – To purchase part of the Aigas Forest and bring it into community control.

• Blairmore Village Trust Community Interest Company (£78,180) – To purchase three main plots of land within the village of Blairmore, Kilmun to develop tourism opportunities, community amenities and business support facilities.

• The Ecology Centre (£54,901) – To purchase a plot of land at Kinghorn Loch, Kinghorn to build a new purpose-built centre.

• Kinghorn Community Land Association (£103,390) – To purchase three plots of land at Kinghorn Loch, Kinghorn to be developed as a multi faith community woodland burial site and community orchard.

• Kintyre Recycling Ltd (£41,230) – To purchase an area of land on the outskirts of Campbeltown, Argyll where they will relocate.

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• Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust (£144,512) – To purchase Bonar Bridge Post Office and sorting offices and the associated flat and garden ground to maintain access to a vital local service in this remote rural area.

• Mull and Iona Community Trust (£139,120) – To purchase an area of land at Ulva Ferry.

• South Islay Development (£50,000) – To purchase a local petrol station in Port Ellen, on the Isle of Islay, Argyll.

• West Glenmoriston Community Company (£95,360) – To purchase the former primary school building and grounds situated in the village of Dalchreichart, Glenmoriston, Inverness-shire and develop it as a community hub.

Making the announcement, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair, John Watt, said: "Each of today's successful projects reflect the innovative steps local people are taking to address problems or challenges in their own areas.

"Whether it's helping a community to take control of an important forestry asset or securing the future of a local post office, they will all tackle real issues facing some of Scotland's most fragile communities.

"The quality of projects developed by communities has been consistently impressive, and I am delighted that the Scottish Land Fund has once again been able to step in to help local people realise their aspirations for community ownership."

Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse, added: "The awards of these grants to communities in the Highlands will help people to take control of land for the benefit of their local communities.

"These projects are all examples that demonstrate the foresight and determination that communities are showing to take control of their own futures with support from the Scottish Land Fund."

The Scottish Land Fund is funded by £9m from the Scottish Government and administered by the Big Lottery Fund in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

(JP/IT)