A scheme helping pupils to learn in a football environment is one
of a range of regeneration projects set to share £62 million from
the 2025-26 draft Scottish Budget.
The funding would help Spartans Community Foundation in Pilton,
Edinburgh, complete construction of a permanent classroom. This
would replace temporary cabins where students who may struggle in
school receive lessons in literacy, numeracy, entrepreneurship,
art and physical education. The project also assists young people
to access jobs, apprenticeships and college placements as they
leave school.
Other regeneration schemes earmarked for support in the draft
Budget include:
- clearing three derelict sites in the Lochee area of Dundee to
make way for affordable homes
- restoring Arbroath's Courthouse as a centre offering careers
advice and skills training
- redeveloping Glen Urquhart Public Hall into a community hub
Visiting Spartans to hear about the organisation's work within
the local community, Employment and Investment Minister said:
“Regeneration is a key priority for the Scottish Government – as
it contributes to growing the economy and creating jobs.
“This inspiring scheme run by Spartans illustrates how local
people can identify the issues they want tackled and then come up
with the solution, at which point the Scottish Government is able
step in with support.
“The new classroom will help more young people leave school with
qualifications, find jobs and further education opportunities, as
well as enjoy free football sessions. It is an example of
delivering economic growth and tackling poverty at the
grassroots.
Background
Recent projects to regenerate northern Edinburgh include the
transformation of derelict industrial units at Granton Waterfront
into communal spaces and the ongoing development of a community
hub with an early years centre, library and space for North
Edinburgh Arts on Pennywell Road.
