CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has urged local community groups to submit bids to the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund.
Mr Hoy’s call comes after the UK Government opened up the second round of the fund which is worth £150 million.
The fund can allow community groups to take control of pubs, music venues, sports facilities, historic buildings and other facilities for the benefit of the public, which could otherwise be lost forever.
The first round of the UK Government’s fund saw six groups in Scotland share over £1.2 million in funding.
Now Hoy has called on community groups to come together to bid for funding to help support the buildings that mean the most to them in East Lothian.
The eligibility criteria for the fund has also been extended meaning more groups in East Lothian can apply.
Craig Hoy said: “It is welcome to see this fund from the UK Government open up once again.
“The first round of funding delivered significant funding delivered to help save much loved assets across Scotland and I would encourage community groups in East Lothian to bid to this fund.
“If there is a local asset at risk in East Lothian that you do not wish to lose from your community, then the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund can help to safeguard it.
“Successful bids can enable community assets to thrive once again as well as helping accelerate the economic recovery in East Lothian.”
