The Scottish Government has announced new funding for social enterprises, and the creation of a new hub in Campbeltown

Charities and voluntary organisations such as women’s aid groups, foodbanks and youth clubs are set to benefit from £1 million of new funding.

The funding is designed to support the growth of grassroots social enterprises. It will go to a range of projects including an accelerator programme for ambitious and growing social entrepreneurs, offering them support to raise private investment.

Projects that will benefit include The Lens (£125,000), Tribe Women (£42,000) and ACCELERATE (£88,000).

In addition, a £27,000 grant will support the creation of a Rural Social Enterprise Hub in Campbeltown to build on knowledge from European partners and establish a digital network for rural social enterprises to share experiences.

Announcing the funding at the launch of the hub, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Social enterprises are a vital part of our community and economy. They have a distinctive character and often play a role in preserving vital services such as community shops and transport, and creating employment opportunities.

“The Rural Social Enterprise Hub will bring benefits to the local community and surrounding area in Campbeltown and share knowledge and best practice in social enterprise, both across Scotland and internationally.”

Ailsa Clark, development manager for the hub said: “This funding will give us the opportunity to learn from the rural experience to inform policy and better understand opportunities to use digital tools to connect rural social enterprises.

“This launch recognises the significance of social enterprise in the rural context - with 34% of all Scotland’s social enterprises in rural areas but only 18% of the population, there is much to be learned.”