ScotRail has launched a new Cultural and Arts Fund, worth £80,000, for local communities across Scotland. The Fund, which was created by Abellio ScotRail when it took over the franchise, will award £40,000 by the end of January 2016, followed by £10,000 each quarter until January 2017.

Those awarded grants under the scheme will be expected to use the funds to promote creativity, the arts, community recreation, sports themes and other cultural activity, as well as celebrate Scotland’s cultural heritage in its full diversity. Public art, children’s play areas, sport outreach programmes, and promotion of performing arts are among the projects which will be awarded funding. The fund welcomes applications from charities, individuals, community groups, and playgroups with an income no more than £100,000 per year. Applicants can receive grants up to a maximum of £5,000.

The closing date for the first round of the fund is the 31st December 2015.

For further information, or to apply, please visit the Scotrail website.