A number of community groups in the area will benefit from a chunk of funding from the Scottish Government.

A share of the £27 million pot of support over the next three years will go towards projects tackling poverty and disadvantaged people.

Auchinleck CDI will have funding for their Support To Engage Programme.

Funds will be given to Cunninghame Housing Association for their East Ayrshire Lemon Aid Fuel Poverty Advice Service work.

The Zone Initiative Limited will be supported for its Food/Fuel/Feel Well project in Dalmellington.

And Cumnock's Yipworld's Strong Connections programme will also benefit from the funding.

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Kirkconnel And Kelloholm Development Trust's community-led approach to the sustainable regeneration of Kirkconnel and Kelloholm will also receive funding.

Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “This fund will help directly address issues facing disadvantaged communities, such as unemployment and food insecurity.

“We have been clear that the Scottish Budget is prioritising our limited resources to tackle child poverty, invest in our transition to net zero, and protect public services. And the projects supported through Investing in Communities speak to these priorities.

“Many will help ease immediate challenges from the cost of living crisis but also support communities in delivering longer term plans to address poverty.”