WHITEFORD & WATSON WELCOME MACDUFF REGENERATION CASH BOOST

JOY AS BANFFSHIRE PORT NETS £¼ MILLION FOR IMPROVEMENTS

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford and Troup councillor Bob Watson have expressed their delight at the announcement that Macduff has been successful in bidding for funding from the SNP Government's Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

A grant programme to provide funds for improvements to public areas and shop fronts was put forward under the auspices of Aberdeenshire Council and Minister for Housing & Communities Alex Neil MSP confirmed today that Macduff's bid had been successful.

Today's announcement comes just weeks after Finance Secretary John Swinney announced that funding of over £168,000 for the Moray Street Insulation Project in Macduff as part of the Scottish Government's first Energy Efficiency Design Awards which is aimed at helping to cut bills for people living in fuel poverty and reduce emissions.

Local SNP councillor Bob Watson said:

"I'm delighted that Macduff is set to benefit from this latest round of Scottish Government regeneration funding. The town centre has suffered in recent years, but this cash will help support new local initiatives and make some much-needed improvements.

"I am glad the SNP Government has recognised the importance of the town centre to the wider community, and is providing the support needed to move things forward."

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford, who lives in the town, added:

"This announcement is great news for Macduff. It will be a welcome boost to everyone who has been working hard locally to secure investment in the town, and get new projects off the ground."

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson concluded:

"Macduff has had its share of problems in recent times but the town still has great potential. The commitment shown to Macduff by the SNP Government firstly through the Moray Street Insulation Project and now with the town's successful bid for funding from the Regeneration Fund gives us a real opportunity to move Macduff forward.

"I'm delighted that it is the SNP Government which is doing so."