Cunninghame South MSP Ruth Maguire has welcomed the latest round of Scottish Government support for victims of crime.

The latest awards saw a total of £405,451 awarded to eight organisations that provide support to those impacted by crimes.

This is the fourth round of payments made from the Victim Surcharge Fund – financed by penalties imposed on offenders – bringing the total paid out since 2019 to £1,322,437.

SNP MSP Ms Maguire, who represents Irvine and parts of Kilwinning and Stevenston, said: “I warmly welcome this Scottish Government funding which will facilitate the provision of vital resources and support to victims of crime in Cunninghame South.

“Organisations like Victim Support Scotland are there for victims at times of immense trauma and isolation, and help individuals and families deal with the consequences of crime.

“That is why the SNP Government is supporting the expansion of these services and ensuring that those convicted of a crime are paying back into the Cunninghame South community, with financial penalties directly going towards addressing the harm done to victims.

“The reverberations of crime can be felt for years to come, and I am pleased to see the Scottish Government taking meaningful action to support victims in Cunninghame South.”