TWO Helensburgh projects have secured a share of a £1m funding pot from the Scottish Government to improve and promote towns and smaller communities around the country.

The Helensburgh Winter Festival is the recipient of £2,035 from the Scotland Loves Local fund, while the Green Action Trust receives £5,000.

The Winter Festival’s organisers will use their cash to support the event’s traders through virtual markets, web and social media support and online shopping initiatives.

The money going to the Trust – formerly known as the Central Scotland Green Network Trust, and the body which is responsible for managing the coast-to-coast John Muir Way between Helensburgh and Dunbar – will be put towards the first phase of a community-led art piece in the town centre.

READ MORE: Helensburgh Winter Festival was a virtual hit - councillor column

The fund is aimed at encouraging people to shop, eat and relax within their own communities, rather than travelling elsewhere.

Phil Prentice, chief officer of the Scotland’s Towns Partnership, which is administering the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government, said: “We’re delighted that this funding will bring some brilliant projects in Helensburgh to life.

“Whether by supporting local businesses in person or online, money that’s spent locally stays local for longer. Each of these schemes will provide another reason for people to embrace local life.

“We hope these grants will be a great Christmas present to all those benefitting as we encourage everyone to safely support their local businesses however they can during the critical festive shopping period.”

Find out more about the campaign at lovelocal.scot.

Read more Helensburgh and Lomond headlines here