A total of £515,000 will be split between nine community projects

Groups who fight sectarianism in Scotland have had their funding extended.

The Scottish Government announced this weekend that it was committing £515,000 to projects which fight religious prejudice in the community.

Third Force News reported last week that charities were eager to hear about the future of fund, with the organisations involved seeing their 2017/18 grants cease at the end of this week.

The amount allocated over the next 12 months will be split between nine projects and amounts to a slight increase in funding.

Nil by Mouth Campaign Director Dave Scott said increased investment in grassroots projects is the correct approach.

“This record investment in our work will allow Nil by Mouth to challenge, and raise awareness of, sectarianism in workplaces and communities right across Scotland,” he said.

“Over 13,000 people from more than 100 employers have taken part in the Beyond Religion & Belief Programme so far including almost half of Scotland’s local authorities, many FTSE 100 companies, private businesses, and training providers.”

Mark Reid, of Supporters Direct Scotland, said the funding would allow work to continue at local sports clubs across the country.

He said: “Our engagement with football supporters across the country and some recent high-profile incidents enforce the fact that sectarianism remains a problem within our society.

“We’re therefore pleased this funding will enable us to continue to deliver our vital work with centres of higher and further education across the country, at the Scottish FA’s Schools of Football and also allow for the expansion of our delivery to include provision to local sports club across Scotland.”

Community safety minister Annabelle Ewing said: “Sectarianism must be tackled with the same conviction as every other hate crime. Since 2012 we have delivered an unprecedented range of activities to tackle the issue across Scotland, which have made a significant impact – and this latest funding builds on these achievements.

“We have shown sustained leadership and commitment to this agenda and look forward to working with others who can positively influence the communities they serve so that we can eradicate sectarianism once and for all.”

It was also announced that Ulster University’s Professor Duncan Morrow will chair an independent working group to look at the scope for establishing a legal definition of sectarianism in Scots Law - potentially making it easier for police and prosecutors to tackle the issue.