A new £50 million fund has been announced to transform Scotland's most long standing derelict sites.

More than £5 million from the new low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, which aims to drive regeneration, enhance the environment and tackle climate change, will be shared among 10 schemes.

The successful projects include:

• the creation of a new river bed and riverside greenspace in Barrhead on derelict land which has acted as a barrier to visitors to the town centre for 25 years

• development of a growing area for use by community enterprises on part of the abandoned Bellgrove Meat Market site in Glasgow

• a cycle park and active travel hub on a 8.25 hectare site in South Lanarkshire, which has been derelict since the 1960s

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• transforming a derelict site in Easterhouse, Glasgow, into a wildlife habitat and for use as an outdoor education and recreation area.

Communities Minister Tom Arthur said: "Derelict sites are often found in disadvantaged areas and can be a blight on communities, holding back development.

"This new, five year programme is intended to have a transformational impact and I am pleased to see such diverse and innovative projects benefiting from the first awards. They will variously deliver community regeneration, create jobs and help tackle climate change.

"At the same time as announcing these grants, we are opening the programme to projects seeking funding in 2022-23 and I look forward to building on the momentum generated by today's investments."

Chair of the Seven Lochs Partnership, which is behind the project in Easterhouse, Councillor Maureen Burke said: "I'm delighted that funding has been awarded to transform vacant land along Avenue End Road. It will allow the area to be developed as a community greenspace, with a new active travel route, habitat creation and public space.

"The site is just a few minutes' walk from five schools, including two for pupils with additional support needs, and the project will help pupils discover and explore nature on their doorstep by creating a safe, accessible outdoor learning space."