Emma Roddick, Highlands and Islands SNP MSP, has welcomed the announcement that Orkney-based projects will receive £18,600 from the first round of grants from the Scotland Loves Local Fund.

Emma said:

“I am well chuffed that Orkney is due to receive a hefty £18,600 from the first round of grants from the Scotland Loves Local Fund.

“The recipients of the grant include Eday Community Enterprises, who seek to support a number of sustainability upgrades across households and businesses on Eday, the Kirkwall and St Ola Community Council, who are creating floral displays across Kirkwall town centre to brighten up the environs and encourage visitors to shop in the main shopping district, and a joint project by Kirkwall BID and Stromness Community Development Trust to run a ‘Support Local’ advertising campaign.

“This kind of action reinforces the SNP’s determination to support Orkney as we recover from the pandemic – helping make sure we create a fairer, healthier, greener, inclusive and more sustainable economic recovery.”

The fund, announced this week, is supporting over 100 organisations, who will receive a share of the £1.5 million funding boost to help revitalise cities, town centres and neighbourhoods across Scotland.

They will encourage support for local economies which were impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and help restore local tourism, make town centres more environmentally friendly and sustainable, and support communities to refurbish shop fronts and public spaces ahead of the festive season.

The £10 million Scotland Loves Local programme extends over five years and encourages people to think and choose local first by supporting their businesses and communities.