The Scottish Executive has awarded £2m to improve polluted environments in ten local communities.

Environment minister Michael Russell said: “This fund is designed to help communities across Scotland which have previously suffered negative environmental impacts from industry, pollution or other damaging activities, to boost their quality of life through restoring habitats.

“Community action can make a real difference in improving environments and changing attitudes. This fund supports our objective of creating a Greener Scotland – by improving Scotland’s natural and built environment and the sustainable use and enjoyment of it.”

Park projects to benefit from the award include improved habitat, woodland management, boundary fencing and a new play area and seating at Hailes Quarry Park by The Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, and improved access, signage and seating at the Union Canal in Clydebank by the Waterways Trust.

Sustainable Greengairs will use the funds to develop an outdoor pitch, multi-use games area, picnic and play site, while the Hattonrigg Learn & Play Project in North Lanarkshire will transform a large area of open space into a new educational, leisure and play facility for use by schools and the local community

Woodland sites are also set to gain from the grant, with four key woodland sites in South Falkirk set to benefit from improved wildlife habitats and paths.

The Environmental Justice Fund scheme is administered by Forward Scotland.