EIGHT community projects in Glasgow - and a further six in the West of Scotland - have been handed a share of £160,610 in vital funding.

The projects are among 22 in Scotland to be awarded cash boosts in the latest round of National Lottery grants, known as Let's Celebrate Glasgow 2014.

The funding will be used by the community projects to organise their own arts, heritage, sports and local community events to celebrate the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Big Lottery Fund Scotland chairwoman, Maureen McGinn, said: "The funding will enable groups from across Scotland to mark the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"The Celebrate programme remains open for applications until the end of this year and we would encourage groups in all parts of Scotland to get in touch if they have ideas for activities."

St George's and St Peter's Community Association in Easterhouse, Glasgow was awarded £9450 to allow young people to research the different cultures and traditions of the Commonwealth. And St Mirin's Primary, Kings Park, Glasgow has been given £9200 to organise a variety of Commonwealth sports for pupils.

Other Glasgow groups to benefit are the LEAP project (£9960), Scottish Sports Futures (£9999), Croftcroighn Primary School (£5830)' Glasgow Women's Library (£10,000), Glasgow Chamber Choir (£7100) and 277 Glasgow Company of The Boys' Brigade (£1050).

Minister for External Affairs, Humza Yousaf, said: "This money will give people from across Scotland the opportunity to connect to Glasgow 2014 and to celebrate the Commonwealth Games in their own communities."