DUNFERMLINE could be set for a cash windfall after the Scottish Government allocated £4.3 million to help revitalise town centres in the Kingdom.

From a £50m cash pot for local authorities across the country, Fife Council received the most money but plans for how – and where – it will be spent are still to be decided.

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The health of our town centres is vital to the economic and cultural life of our communities – and this new investment can make a real difference.

“Fife Council must now ensure that the £4.3m is spent wisely and ensure our local town centres reap the benefits of this huge investment.

“The Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund is part of a wider package of business support measures that will help drive economic activity in Dunfermline and West Fife, helping give our local high streets a welcome boost.”

Councillor Altany Craik, convener of the tourism, strategic planning and transportation committee, said: “Our recent budget called for more funding from the Scottish Government to support our efforts and I am pleased this has been answered.

“The funding will be used to support town centres in becoming more diverse and sustainable, increase footfall through local improvements and partnerships which will encourage town centres to become more vibrant, creative, enterprising and accessible places.”

Cllr Craik said the new funding complements wider support through Scotland’s Towns Partnership.

“Fife Council works closely with the partnership and will look at both quick wins and longer-term strategic plans for its town centres,” he added.

“Across the UK, town centres are facing persistent and serious challenges as consumer behaviour and economic changes cause difficulties in filling retail units and higher vacancy rates.

"This is not a Fife issue, it is a UK issue. We are 100 per cent committed to supporting the evolution of town centres, particularly where challenges have been more pronounced.”