2 days ago
Funding boost for community development trust in West Lothian village
It's part of a £2.5 million package supporting almost 80 organisations across Scotland
A community development trust in a West Lothian village is to receive a funding boost.
Kirknewton Community Development Trust is set to receive £35,000 from the Scottish Government's Strengthening Communities Programme for 2025-26.
The funding is part of a £2.5 million package supporting almost 80 organisations across Scotland to deliver regeneration projects.
The investment will help community-led organisations tackle local challenges, create opportunities, and improve places to live and work.
Across the country, funding will support projects including housing in rural areas, tourism and heritage initiatives, business start-up spaces, community food hubs, and the transformation of vacant buildings.
The Strengthening Communities Programme, now in its 13th year, has already helped hundreds of local groups deliver economic, social and environmental benefits in their communities.
The SNP's Angela Constance MSP for Almond Valley welcomed news that the trust will benefit from the programme funding.
She said: 'Kirknewton is a vibrant, forward-thinking village with a strong community spirit, and this funding is a well-deserved boost. The work of Kirknewton Community Development Trust is a shining example of how local people can take the lead in shaping their area's future.
'This investment will help them build on their fantastic achievements so far – creating opportunities, improving local facilities, and making Kirknewton an even better place to live, work and visit. I'm delighted to see the Scottish Government continuing to back community-led regeneration here in West Lothian.'
The Strengthening Communities Programme is part of the Scottish Government's commitment to empowering local people to drive change in their own communities.
