A FUND to help improve Cockenzie Harbour and High Street has been set up with more than £600,000 of Scottish Government cash.

The funding, which has been granted by Historic Environment Scotland, is part of the latest round of Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) cash to be invested across the country.

The Cockenzie CARS will look at essential repairs and improvement work that can be carried out around the harbour and High Street, making the area a more appealing place to visit and spend time.

Welcoming the funding, Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s cabinet spokesman for economic development, said: “Towns play a key part in the county, whether for retail, residential, business or recreational use.

“As a council, we have set ourselves the aim to improve the quality of life for local people, leading to a prosperous, safe, and sustainable East Lothian which can offer a dynamic and thriving economy.”

And he added: “Whilst East Lothian Council is a major driver of the regeneration plans, we recognise that partnership, both now and for the future, is the key to any stimulus and the involvement of the local business community, community groups, voluntary sector, schools, and external funders is vital to breathe new life into our towns.

“The Tranent Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, also a partnership between East Lothian Council and Historic Environment Scotland, is just coming to the end of its second year and is already making a difference, regenerating the town and bringing empty properties back into use.

“We are delighted by this award and look forward to working with Historic Environment Scotland over the next five years to support the community in Cockenzie.”

CARS specifically targets conservation areas with social or economic disadvantages that make it difficult to attract investment in sustainable regeneration.

The scheme assists these areas through channelling funding towards opportunities to enhance sustainable economic growth and help support projects that develop an area’s sense of place.

The scheme is open to local and National Park authorities, community groups and other third-sector organisations delivering multi-funded projects.

Funding can be utilised for a number of purposes, from priority repairs and small grants to homeowners and retailers, to providing traditional craft training opportunities.

Andrew Crummy, chairman of Preston, Seton, and Gosforth Local Area Partnership, said the group was determined to improve Cockenzie for residents and visitors alike.

And he added: “Through our area plan, we’re committed to supporting the community of Cockenzie and revitalising the area around Cockenzie Harbour for both locals and visitors alike."

CARS specifically targets conservation areas with social or economic disadvantages that make it difficult to attract investment in sustainable regeneration. The scheme assists these areas through channelling funding towards opportunities to enhance sustainable economic growth and help support projects that develop an area’s sense of place.

The scheme is open to Local and National Park Authorities, community groups and other third sector organisations delivering multi-funded projects. Funding can be utilised for a number of purposes from priority repairs and small grants to homeowners and retailers, to providing traditional craft training opportunities.