The Scottish Government has announced a new £50 million grant programme which will transform some of the country's longest standing vacant and derelict sites into affordable housing, community gardens and places of enterprise and learning.
Ten schemes will share more than £5 million from the low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, driving regeneration and innovation while tackling climate change.
Successful projects include:
• redevelopment of more challenging building plots to help deliver 133 net zero and affordable homes through the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator programme
• installing heat pump technology to reduce carbon emissions for proposed commercial developments on vacant land at Magenta Business Park in South Lanarkshire
• decontaminating and redeveloping former industrial land for social housing and outdoor pursuits near the Forth and Clyde Canal in the East Dunbartonshire village of Twechar
• regenerating derelict land in east Greenock to create a Carwood Street Food Growing Project for local people in a less affluent area
Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: "Derelict sites are often found in more disadvantaged areas and can hold back development of communities.
"This programme is delivering community regeneration and tackling climate change, in line with our national strategy to transform the economy and deliver sustainable and inclusive growth and a fairer society.
"At the same time as announcing these grants, we are opening the programme to projects seeking funding in 2023/24 and I look forward to building on the momentum generated by today's investments."
Depute Chief Executive at East Dunbartonshire Council Ann Davie said: "This funding is a welcome contribution that will aid us in regenerating the derelict former industrial canal site in Twechar. The funding can be used for land acquisition, soil remediation, utilities and access infrastructure, which will allow the site to be developed for social housing.
"These new homes will help us to achieve the energy efficiency aims we have set out for the site as each will be built to Passivhaus standards, resulting in low heating bill for tenants.
"This project also complements the work we're doing in partnership with Twechar Community Action on the adjoining site, which recently secured Scottish Government Regeneration Capital grant funding, to help in the building of a new Outdoor Pursuits Centre. This will offer opportunities and benefits to the local community as well as attracting more visitors to the area."
Construction News
10/05/2022
Govt Fund Announced To Transform Long Standing Derelict Sites


29/04/2025
Albyn Housing Society, a major social housing provider operating across the Highlands, is expanding its portfolio to the Isle of Skye for the first time.
The society, which manages almost 3,900 properties across 80 rural communities on the mainland, will soon hand over seven new affordable homes i

29/04/2025
As SP Energy Networks progresses with its ambitious £10.6 billion investment plan (RIIO-T3) to upgrade Central and Southern Scotland's electricity transmission network between 2026 and 2031, a new independent report has shed light on the costs and characteristics of various transmission technologies

29/04/2025
Casey Gardner, a 19-year-old apprentice painter and decorator from Fife, is set to represent Scotland in the national final of the prestigious 2025 PDA Premier Trophy Awards – Apprentice of the Year Competition.
Ms Gardner secured her place after a successful performance in the Regional Heat held

29/04/2025
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of ScottishPower, has been named Business Leader of the Year at an awards ceremony held at the EICC in Edinburgh. Mr Anderson was chosen from a shortlist of eight company leaders, including representatives from The Ivy Collection, Greggs, Cazenove Capital, and the Mur

29/04/2025
Significant progress has been made this week on major development plans for the strategically important Hunterston site in North Ayrshire.
Members of the council's Planning Committee approved proposals for the creation of a salmon rearing facility at the location.
The applicants, Bakkafrost Scotl

29/04/2025
The local community in Innerleithen, including pupils from St Ronan's Primary School and local councillors have celebrated the official reopening of the village's play park following significant improvement works.
The much-anticipated upgrades to the facility include extensive drainage work and the

29/04/2025
Craigtoun Country Park, a popular destination near St Andrews, is poised to see a significant upgrade to its beloved Dutch Village situated on the boating lake. The structure is set to undergo essential repairs, including new rendering and roof tiles, thanks to newly secured funding.
Fife Council h

29/04/2025
Residents of the Kirkton area of Dundee are a step closer to a new community centre following the allocation of £1.5 million in funding. The money has been awarded to local charity Kirkton Community Centre SCIO through the UK Government's Community Regeneration Partnership (CRP).
The funding will e

29/04/2025
Gas network operator SGN has been lauded for its exceptional commitment to customer service, securing four prestigious gold awards at the CCA Global Excellence Awards 2025 ceremony held in Glasgow last night. The accolades affirm SGN's position as industry leaders in customer care and innovation.
T

29/04/2025
A collaborative effort involving public, private, and academic organisations has culminated in the launch of a ten-year strategy aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth across the Highlands and Islands. The Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership (HIREP) has unveiled its Regional