New sailing facilities in Argyll and a farm shop and restaurant complex in Dumfriesshire are among the latest beneficiaries of the Rural Priorities grants scheme.

Overall, 640 projects have been approved in this round, with a total value of £36.8 million, a significant investment for rural Scotland.

Rural Priorities is part of the £1.5 billion Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). So far £154 million has been allocated to support around 2,500 projects.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "This significant investment in rural Scotland will support many exciting new projects and the expansion of existing businesses, creating new jobs and securing existing employment.

"The many rural businesses that are looking to the future are playing a key role in aiding Scotland's economic recovery.

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"Throughout rural Scotland there exists a strong sense of optimism and continuing spirit of innovation and invention."

Surnaig Farm, which fringes Lagavulin Bay on Islay, has been awarded £90,566 to convert a former walled garden into a secure and serviced boat storage facility for approximately 50 vessels complete with a slipway and 18 ton boat hoist for launch and retrieval. Located in one of the most desirable and challenging places to sail in the world, Islay is also one of the stages in the popular annual Classic Malt race. The facility will create three new jobs and training and help promote the area as a visitor destination.

Kilnford Barns, on the outskirts of Dumfries, has been awarded £333,200 to renovate a traditional steading complex to provide accommodation for a farm shop, coffee shop and restaurant, marketing quality produce from Dumfries & Galloway. As well as creating 12 full-time jobs the business will also set up a partnership with a local community group who provide care to vulnerable young people who will be taught to grow vegetables for use in the new venture. Surrounding land will also be developed to provide nature trails.

A £127,264 award will create the first ever sports and recreation park on the Shetland Island of Bressay. The Bressay Sports Club will construct a grass sports / recreation park complete with car parking facilities.

Rural Priorities is one of eight mechanisms delivering the £1.5 billion Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). Rural Priorities delivers targeted environmental, social and economic benefits to rural areas.

(GK/BMcc)