BUSINESSES in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire can draw on a new scheme to help support the arts.

Government grants of up to £40,000 are available for firms that want to support local arts initiatives.

The move comes as a poll found a majority of Scots would be more likely to buy goods and services from businesses that support arts and heritage projects in their local area.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, announced the new scheme, being managed by Arts & Business Scotland.

Eligible projects can receive grant funding of between £1,000 and £40,000, matched by business sponsorship to the same value.

The fund will benefit from £300,000 in its first year.

Ms Hyslop said: “I am pleased to announce the transition to this new incentive funding programme which will build on the success of its predecessor, encouraging longer term cultural and business partnerships to benefit Scotland’s wider economy and society.

“The Scottish Government is committed to further enhancing Scotland’s contribution to the arts and heritage sector, a key part of Scotland’s culture.”

David Watt, chief executive of Arts & Business Scotland, has welcomed the financial support from the Scottish Government.

He said: “We can already look back on more than a decade of success with the New Arts Sponsorship Grants Fund that has delivered many successful collaborations between arts and business organisations of all sizes.

“With a new wider scope that takes in Scotland’s crucially important heritage sector and will allow for second and third year sponsorships, I’m confident that this new fund will deliver even greater success in the years ahead.”

Businesses can visit www.aandbscotland.org.uk to download an application form.