However, the local Cumbernauld and Kilsyth MSP expressed her disappointment that the figure awarded was a "significant reduction" from the amount originally bid for.

Cathie Craigie MSP said:

"The award of £530,000 to the Kelvin Valley Local Action Group is good news for the local area, giving our community the chance to improve our environment and countryside by empowering our grass-roots."

"However, although a reduction was expected, there has been a significant reduction of almost 80% - £2.4million to £530,000 - from the original bid to the actual award."

"Given the amount of effort I know was put into developing the submission by the Kelvin Valley LAG, such a cut is concerning, particularly when £6.7 million of LEADER funding has been held back."

"This sizeable reduction will mean reflection is needed to decide how best to proceed with the project and I will be seeking information from the Scottish Government as to why this money has been held back, and why the criteria set for the LEADER bids changed between submission and allocation of the money."