More than £5.7 million has been allocated by the Big Lottery Fund to community projects around Scotland
A community has been given the chance to transform an old village pub.
The National Lottery has awarded funding of £740,000 to allow the Swan Inn to be revamped into a community hub in Banton, Lanarkshire.
The pub was taken over by the by the People United for Banton (PUB) campaign after its future hung in the balance last year.
The group’s secretary Catherine Moneypenny said the facility would be a major boost to the area.
"In its new incarnation the Swan Inn will house a gorgeous cafe, restaurant, and shop as well as a traditional pub,” she said. "Banton will enjoy fantastic facilities and have a fabulous place to welcome visitors to our beautiful village.
"The whole village has come together to make this happen, and our confidence in our community and our future has skyrocketed."
A total of £5,728,140 has been allocated by the Big Lottery Fund for 24 community groups across Scotland.
Other projects given funding this week include the Kilmarnock Railway Station Heritage Trust, who have been awarded £148,487 to create a wellbeing hub north of Kilmarnock town centre.
Trustee Allan Brown said: “We will now be able to provide healthy lifestyle activities on a regular basis to members of the local community including counselling, therapy, motivational sessions, meditation and acupuncture.
“These activities will help to improve people’s health, skills and confidence, and raise their aspirations for both themselves and the community.”
CamGlen Radio in Rutherglen also gained £148,907 to help develop the community radio station and build professional skills, confidence and social connections in the area.
“The funding is going to enable us to continue recruiting and supporting local people, no matter their experience, background or barriers, to become fully-fledged members of our broadcast team,” said coordinator Tam Curry.
An Aberlour gained £415,607 to support mothers in East Lothian with mental health issues.
The charity’s Catherine Thomas said: “A grant like this is instrumental in enabling us to help pregnant women, struggling with mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
“We have already piloted the Perinatal Befriending Support Service in Falkirk, so we know how important the initiative is to mothers and families.”
