The Scottish Government has announced it is to fund a group that aims to revive town centres throughout the country.

The Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP) has been awarded a £186,000 two-year development grant to strengthen its role as the 'go-to' organisation for information, advice and sharing of expertise around town centre development.

The STP has said it believes it is now in almost 200 cities, towns and villages in Scotland and is working in conjunction with other initiatives the Scottish Government is taking to transform town centres, such as the Town Centre First Principle and the Housing Fund.

Planning Minister Derek Mackay said: "Across Scotland, when you look collectively at the efforts being made by public, private or third sector to deliver on the themes highlighted within the Town Centre Action Plan, we're investing a lot to revitalise our town centres.

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"This is the ideal time to support STP to strengthen their offer, draw from the expertise and energy of professionals and organisations from across Scotland and share and promote more widely the projects and ideas that are already underway.

"Ultimately, we want to see more and more success build from the practical action and innovation emerging already in various pockets of the country. We are also working closely with local authorities and the wider public sector to consider the impact of their investment decisions on town centres."

Leigh Sparks, Chair of the STP, added: "Scotland's Towns Partnership looks forward to working with towns and communities across Scotland, and with the Scottish Government, as we all seek to drive forward local action in support of the Town Centre Action Plan and the recommendations of the Town Centre Review.

"Scotland's Towns Partnership provides essential support for anchor organisations seeking to rejuvenate Scotland's towns; enabling them to deliver best value, sustainable projects and empowering their local, business and wider communities."

(JP/IT)