Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for South of Scotland, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that the Clyde Valley will receive a £3 million boost from the Rural Priorities scheme, with 26 projects in the area to benefit from the funding.  

One of the biggest beneficiaries is the New Lanark Trust, which has been awarded a £655,000 grant to carry out urgent repairs to a 200 year old wall at the New Lanark World Heritage Site.  The money will help safeguard the site’s World Heritage status and also protect the 220 people employed by the trust, while the restoration work will generate a further 20 jobs.

Other projects to benefit from the Rural Priorities scheme is Boghall Farm, Biggar, which has been granted over £118,000 to provide additional slurry storage and improved environmental management.  Fallside Farms, near Biggar was also successful and received an agri-environment grant of £59,620.  Aileen has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating all those involved in securing the funding for the projects. 

Commenting on the funding boost for area, Aileen Campbell MSP said: 

“The £3 million of funding by the Scottish Government for the Clyde Valley is fantastic news and I’m pleased so many projects in the area have received grants from the scheme.  

“The awarding of money to the New Lanark Trust will enable vital work to be carried out to the wall at the world heritage site and ensure this major tourist destination for the area can continue to enthral visitors from around the world.  

“Most importantly the Scottish Government funding means New Lanark Trust and many other rural businesses in the area can protect or create new jobs during these tough economic times and help our rural areas in Scotland to thrive.” 

Speaking on the Rural Priorities Scheme funding, Cllr George Sutherland said:  

“I am delighted the New Lanark Trust has received a grant of over £650,000 from the Scottish Government to carry out restoration work at the New Lanark World Heritage Site.   

“I have assisted the New Lanark Trust throughout their efforts to secure funding for this restoration and the money will have far reaching benefits for the site. It will help secure its world heritage status, generate more jobs for local people and protect our local heritage for years to come."