This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Euro funding for west of Scotland
22/05/2006
A marketing scheme to promote one of Glasgow's most popular visitor attractions is one of up to 50 West of Scotland projects to benefit from the latest round of £11 million in European funding.
Deputy Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Minister Allan Wilson said the money would help create or safeguard 4,500 jobs during a visit to Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery.
Glasgow City Council is to receive £180,000 to promote Kelvingrove to tourists and residents when it re-opens its doors to the public this summer following a £27 million, three-year refurbishment.
He said:
"I am delighted to announce a further injection of European funding for a wide range of projects, bringing significant benefits to local communities across the West of Scotland.
"Kelvingrove Museum is one of Scotland's greatest cultural and educational treasures, and has become internationally famous with thousands of visitors from both home and abroad.
"Today's award of £180,000 comes on top of a previous European funding grant of £2.5 million which contributed towards the renovation. This latest award will help the City Council promote the reopening internationally, and support a range of initiatives including targeted events for community leaders.
"I have no doubt that this will enhance the museum's status as a prime tourist attraction, bringing a major rise in the number of visitors to the city and securing the cultural benefits of Kelvingrove for generations to come."
Other West of Scotland projects to benefit include:
- Greater Pollok Development Company - will receive funding of £69,579 to support 400 local people to acquire the skills needed to secure employment in the new Pollok Retail Park. The £300 million redevelopment of Pollok Town Centre will provide between 4,000 to 5,000 jobs over the next 10 years. The Development Company is working to maximise opportunities from the developments and has secured guarantees of vacancies for local people through Partnership Agreements with the developers and employers.
- James Watt College - has been awarded £113,183 for its Vocational Training project targeted at the tourism sector. The College will offer vocational skills to 60 unemployed people and link in with employment opportunities in tourism throughout the region. This project is one of 10 that the college have had approved, totalling over £1.1 million, to enable it to provide a range of training opportunities for local people.