A total of 59 community groups across Scotland are set to benefit from a share of £10m in grants from the Big Lottery Fund.

The monies will be used to improve local amenities throughout the country and will support village halls, the development of unused land, as well as arts and sports projects.

The grants, which total £10,365,287, will help fund projects for up to two years.

Ten of the awards went to the Glasgow City Council district, totalling almost £1.25m, while the Highlands and Islands authority received funding for 11 projects and six projects across Edinburgh, West Lothian and Midlothian were also successful.

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Elsewhere, North and South Lanarkshire will see six of its projects benefit from additional funds, as will five projects in the Scottish Borders.

Big Lottery Fund, Scotland Chair, Maureen McGinn, said: "Our Community Spaces programme allows local people to get together and shape their neighbourhood by making better use of outdoor and indoor spaces.

"Today's investment allows for the development, improvement and creation of village halls, community gardens, art centres, sports and play facilities. For some areas, the refurbishment of a village hall will create a welcoming centre which can support a range of activities.

"For others, the transformation of a disused space offers a secure recreational place for everyone to enjoy."

(JP)