Scottish towns have been handed the opportunity to apply for a share of £60m from the Scottish Government's Town Centre Regeneration Fund in a bid to revitalise high streets across the country.

Local authorities, community planning partnerships, town centre managers and local chambers of commerce are among the organisations eligible to apply for funding, which is designed to help town centres suffering as a result of the recession. Alex Neil, the Scottish minister for housing and communities, said: "The opening of applications to the Town Centre Regeneration Fund is good news for high streets across the country. It means that they can bid for much needed funding in this tough economic climate.

"These are hard times for businesses and families across Scotland and this government is working hard to meet this challenge, refocus activity and ensure Scotland gets through the economic downturn in the strongest possible position." The first deadline for applications is 1 June, with decisions expected by the end of July. Meanwhile, a second round of assessment will be carried out for applications received between 1 June and 21 August, with decisions expected by the end of October.