SCOT GOV ANNOUNCE £910,000 TO BOOST MIDLOTHIAN AND £1,275,000 TO EAST LOTHIAN TOWN CENTRES

SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie, has called on Midlothian and East Lothian Council to make the most of its funding allocation from the Scottish Government’s £50 million Town Centre Fund.
 
Announced by SNP Finance Secretary Derek Mackay during his budget statement, the new fund aims to drive local economic growth by helping town centres fund projects such as re-purposing buildings for retail, business and community enterprise, while improving access and infrastructure.  
 
After allocations were announced this week by the Scottish Government, it has now been confirmed that that Midlothian will receive a share of £910,000 and East Lothian will receive a share of £1,275,000 from the new ring-fenced fund.  
 
Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“This funding announcement can help transform town centres in Midlothian and East Lothian.
 
“The health of our town centres is vital to the economic and cultural life of our communities – and this new investment can make a real difference.
 
“Midlothian must now ensure that the £910,000 and East Lothian must now ensure that the £1,275,000 is spent wisely and ensure our local town centres reap the benefits of this huge investment.
 
“The SNP’s Town Centre Fund is part of a wider package of business support measures that will help drive economic activity in Midlothian and East Lothian, helping give our local high streets a welcome boost.”