Over £430,000 is to be given towards 18 'green projects' in Scotland, Environment Minister Aileen McLeod has revealed.

The funding will boost the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) Development Fund.

The initiative supports projects which aim to 'transform' the local environment and add value to the economy.

Projects stretching from Ayrshire and Inverclyde in the west, to Fife and the Lothians in the east have now received funding to restore and transform the landscape.

Dr Aileen McLeod said: "This additional £438,000 for the CSGN Development Fund in 2016/17 is on top of almost £5.8 million which has already been allocated to over 150 projects in the past six years.

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"It is fantastic to see so many exciting projects receive a share of the latest funding. I have no doubt that this will bring a wide range of benefits to the environment, local communities and local economies.

"These projects have all been developed with the local communities that will benefit from them and together they will continue the transformation of the central belt into a better place to live, work and visit."

Keith Geddes, Chair of the CSGN Trust, added: "These innovative projects will focus on safeguarding trees and woodlands for the future, adopting green infrastructure, creating vibrant community growing resources to encourage healthy eating and enhancing access routes for the benefit of local and disadvantaged communities, businesses and the environment."

(LM/CD)