Drama group grant to improve upgrade Monifieth theatre's facilities

Scottish Government Minister hopes grants will spur on schemes - unlocking innovation and action which will make cities, towns and neighbourhoods stronger

A project in Angus has secured a share of £1.5m from the Scotland Loves Local Fund.

Monifieth Amateur Dramatics is among those benefitting from the £1.5million boost to help revitalise town centres and neighbourhoods affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Nationally, it includes help to restore local tourism, make town centres more environmentally friendly and sustainable, support communities to refurbish shop fronts and public spaces ahead of the festive season. The fund provides 50% match funding for local projects between £5000 and £25,000.

The dramatic group intends to use its £9100 grant to upgrade Monifieth Theatre’s ventilation system to help reduce the building's carbon footprint, ensure the safety of audiences and performers post-Covid and to comply with recent legislation.

Tom Arthur, community wealth minister, said: “The Scottish Government is supporting our communities to deliver renewed local prosperity. I hope these grants will help spur on many of the projects which are vital to unlocking the innovation and action which will make our towns and neighbourhoods stronger. It reinforces our determination to support all our communities as they recover and will help strengthen the vital backing being provided through the Scotland Loves Local marketing campaign and gift card scheme."

The fund has been administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation spearheading Scotland Loves Local.

Phil Prentice, STP chief officer, said: “Vital work is taking place across Angus - indeed throughout Scotland - to revitalise and reimagine our communities. There’s real innovation among the projects being supported. I’m sure these grants will go a long way to turning these ambitious visions into action.”

The Scotland Loves Local campaign urges people to think, choose and spend local to help their communities recover. More details can be found at www.lovelocal.scot.