Aberdeen's Our Union Street initiative is to receive a further £600,000 from the Scottish Government, Business Minister Tom Arthur has confirmed.

Advancing one of the Government's 100-day commitments, the funding will build on progress to date, which has brought vacant premises back into use, improved shopfronts and strengthened collaboration with local organisations and businesses.

The latest award comes on top of £400,000 previously provided by ministers, bringing total government investment in the regeneration project to £1 million.

Mr Arthur said: "Union Street has long been the heart of Aberdeen, and like many towns and city centres it has faced significant challenges in recent years.

"With support from our £400,000 investment to date, the project is delivering tangible and visible improvements to the street, including improved cleaning and maintenance, exhibits and makeovers of vacant units that have drawn people back into the centre.

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"Our investment has supported innovative digital solutions in reimagining the city, particularly the introduction of a smartphone app, which is helping people engage with the city centre in new ways. Increased occupancy and footfall have helped reinforce confidence of the city centre as a place to live, work and invest.

"We are working closely with the Our Union Street team and Aberdeen City Council to ensure this additional funding builds on existing momentum, while also sending a clear message that Aberdeen City Centre is open for business and committed to attracting investment, talent and new enterprise."

Separately, the Scottish Government will establish a partnership group to support the redevelopment of the People's Palace, acknowledging its national cultural and historical importance and its role in regenerating Glasgow's East End.

The group will unite key organisations — including Historic Environment Scotland, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Glasgow Life, Museums Galleries Scotland and Scottish Enterprise — alongside wider sector expertise, to work with Glasgow City Council on the refurbishment of the People's Palace and Winter Gardens.

Mr Arthur added: "At the heart of the People's Palace redevelopment project is an ambitious vision for the local communities in the East End of Glasgow. This project will use a community-led approach to create a museum by the people, for the people.

"Investing in Our Union Street and the People's Place demonstrates our clear commitment to regeneration that is locally led, nationally supported, and focused on delivering real change."