AN ARRAN farm has been awarded funding to create a catering facility.

Bellevue Farm has been given £5,000 to create a catering space within Bellevue Barn.

In collaboration with Arran’s Food Journey regional food group, it will be used to showcase local produce and offer unique eating experiences.

The purpose of the fund is to support regional growth by backing projects to promote and sell produce from their areas.

Mairi Gougeon, rural affairs secretary, said: "We have some of the best food and drink in the world - the industry is worth £15 billion to our economy, supports thousands of jobs and businesses, and is a success story at home and internationally.

"The Regional Food Fund is providing much-needed support to local businesses, producers, and community groups to showcase the best products that their regions have to offer.

“Through this fund we have seen more than £750,000 awarded from the available funding to successful projects across Scotland."

The North Ayrshire market is one of 17 local projects to receive the latest round of funding.

The fund is managed by Scotland Food & Drink and supports projects from all over the country.

The latest round of funding aims to celebrate local produce at different locations, with the potential to benefit people across the country.

Fiona Richmond, Scotland food & drink head of regional food, said: "It’s truly exciting to support 17 more collaborative food and drink projects through this latest round of the Regional Food Fund.

"The quality of the applications reflects the passion and commitment to enhancing local food and drink initiatives, which are vital to the continued growth of Scotland’s food, drink, and tourism sectors.

"We congratulate all this year’s recipients and are eager to watch these projects unfold in the coming months, knowing they will leave a lasting and positive impact on communities across the country."

The Regional Food Fund was launched in 2021, replacing the Connect Local Regional Food Fund that started in 2018.

The fund has so far awarded more than £400,000 to 87 projects across Scotland.