THE unveiling of a new
£50 million fund to help regenerate the country’s town centres has been warmly welcomed Finance secretary Derek Mackay announced in the Scottish Government’s recent budget plans a new ring-fenced £50 million Town Centre Fund for 2019-20 which has been allocated within the local authority capital settlement to drive local economic activity and to stimulate and support place-based, future-looking economic
improvements to town centres. News of the extra cash was hailed by Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson who said it should support innovative ideas to help high streets across the country. He continued: “This announcement of funding in the draft Scottish budget is extremely welcome. “Having spent some time last year visiting a range of new businesses, refreshed businesses and other community schemes I would very much wish to see this funding support innovative ideas which can support our town centres. “In so doing, this would not only support potential new businesses but also supporting existing shops and businesses by increasing footfall and visitors to town centres.” Buckie Regeneration Group chairman Gordon McDonald said the fund could represent an golden opportunity for the town. “Obviously we’ll have to see what the details of the scheme are,” he told the Advertiser. “However, if there’s any way we can draw down money for Buckie we’ll be looking into it.” Mr McDonald added that the regeneration group, along with Buckie Area Forum, were looking to run another Bucks4Buckie participatory event in the first half of this year.