This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Successful end to the Eastern Scotland Objective 2 Programme
27/12/1999
Scottish Executive Finance Minister Jack McConnell today announced that 44 projects had been approved with awards totalling £12 million. This marks the successful completion of the Eastern Scotland Objective 2 Programme. A total of £100 million of European funding was approved over the 3 year period of the Programme. These funds were targeted at boosting economic development in the area.
Examples of projects include:
£360,000 for the Edinburgh Technology Start-up Fund; £1.25 million for the Millennium Wheel Visitor Centre to complement the major project to redevelop the Forth/Clyde and Union Canals; and £207,000 for a Community Learning Resource Unit at Langlees Bainsord (Falkirk).
Mr McConnell, who has responsibility for European Structural Funds, said: "I am pleased to confirm these awards as the Eastern Scotland Objective 2 Programme, which has been underway since 1997, comes to a successful conclusion thanks to the efforts of the Partnership organisations involved. I am delighted that we have been able to allocate substantial levels of European Funds, to good quality projects in the Objective 2 area. It will give a boost to the economy of the area, with sectors as diverse as business infrastructure, business development and training all benefiting.
BACKGROUND
1. The Eastern Scotland Objective 2 Programme was approved formally by the European Commission on 8 April 1997 for the period 1 January 1997 to 31 December 1999. An earlier programme ran from January 1994 to December 1996.
2. Although the Programme commitments have now been made, Partnership authorities will continue to receive the benefits of European Funding for the next 2 years during which payments will be made.
News Release: SE1788/1999
27 Dec 1999