The Scottish Government has awarded over £300,000 towards various community projects across the country.

The Charrette grants are being allocated alongside the 'Activating Ideas Fund', which supports participation and empowerment initiatives in disadvantaged areas.

A total of 19 projects will receive funding, including:

• North Ayrshire Council, £20,000, to look at flood protection schemes and also wider benefits for the island community of Cumbrae

• Friends of Prestwick Broadway, £15,000, to look at a community buy out of the disused cinema to be used as a community hub

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• Glasgow East Arts Company, £20,000, to ensure the community have a voice in implementing the Easterhouse Town Centre Action Plan

• Citizen Curator & Leith Creative, £19,400, to look at planning and social issues in Leith

Minister for Local Government and Housing, Kevin Stewart, said the government is "committed to empowering communities and involving them in the planning process".

"I was really pleased to see the great interest in the funds and the high quality of the projects who applied," he said.

"Local communities have a wealth of knowledge about their local area. Bringing communities together with design expertise will enable ideas and proposals to be developed to deliver positive change. This initiative enables people across Scotland to have their say on the long- term future of their community.

"I look forward to these projects coming to fruition and seeing positive changes in local communities that has been developed by the people that live there."

(LM/MH)