GLASGOW students and schoolchildren will benefit from a record £1.8 million cash boost announced this week.

The ScottishPower Foundation revealed its biggest ever funding pot at the National Theatre of Scotland – one of the 26 UK charities to receive cash this year - on Friday.

Ann McKechin, ScottishPower’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, announced the programme of funding alongside the team at the National Theatre of Scotland and students from St. Joseph’s Primary School.

The children are from one of the city schools who will directly benefit through the Theatre’s Submarine Time Machine project, a large scale arts project taking place between April and June on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Other Glasgow based projects to receive funding this year include Glasgow Caledonian University, the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, the ScottishPower Pipe Band, the Children’s University Scotland, Music in Hospitals and Alzheimer Scotland.

The ScottishPower Foundation, which was established in 2013, provides funding to registered charities involved in education, environmental protection, citizenship and community development.

This year , there has also been a focus on non-profit organisations supporting young carers or people living with dementia.

Ann McKechin, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at ScottishPower, said: “It’s been heartening to hear all about the work of these 26 projects and the invaluable services they provide.

“The ScottishPower Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people living in our local communities and by delivering this funding we want to ensure the good work continues.

“This year will be the biggest funding year to date for the Foundation and I’m looking forward to seeing how all of the projects come to fruition.”

Simon Sharkey, Associate Director of National Theatre of Scotland, added: “We are thrilled to be partnering with the ScottishPower Foundation again in 2017.

“The generous funding will allow us to deliver Submarine Time Machine, an incredibly exciting project and theatrical experience for our new local community here on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal, next to the National Theatre of Scotland’s new facility Rockvilla, as well as for the city and people across Glasgow.”

For the full list of charities benefitting this year and how to apply for next year, visit www.scottishpower.com,