Cash boost for rural Scotland will bring 500 new jobs

The Scottish Government said it would safeguard 400 jobs and create 500 new ones across rural areas.

The funding aims to support a range of business development measures and help tackle some of the Scottish Government's key priorities by enhancing biodiversity, increasing renewable energy and reducing the effects of climate change.

The latest round of funding brings the total number of projects approved by the Rural Priorities initiative to 4,850 since the scheme's launch in 2008, worth a total of 378 million.

Environment secretary Richard Lochhead said: "By investing a further 35.7 million in rural Scotland, we are providing welcome support to our economy, helping to create new businesses and kick-start a wide range of projects to tackle climate change and enhance biodiversity.

"The creation of a further 500 new jobs across the country gives a much-needed boost to local rural communities.

"This is essential in times of economic uncertainty, when financial challenges become increasingly difficult."