The Scottish Government has announced a £10 million fund to develop new business hubs in four local communities.

The Local Economic Development fund was announced in the Programme for Government by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier this month.

Local communities in Clackmannanshire, Fife, Hawick and Irvine will each receive a share of the £10m fund to help deliver business infrastructure projects.

Features include creating an enterprise hub in Kincardine as well as eight new industrial units with site infrastructure. Further plans include developing 3,000 sq m of new industrial business space in the Irvine Enterprise Area, as well as bringing 2.5 hectares of land back into use.

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In addition, new business units will be built to increase SME development in Clackmannanshire along with the creation of an enterprise hub for businesses, community and social enterprises.

Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "As was made clear in the Programme for Government, we wanted to introduce measures to boost business confidence and keep our economy moving. I'm pleased to now be able to confirm the four areas that will receive a share of the £10 million, I have no doubt that these projects will help to drive our economy and provide a real benefit to people across the country."

(LM)