Scottish churches can apply for funding of up to £75,000 to support their charitable work. 

The money is being provided by three investment firms, who have contributed to the £20 million available in the Third Sector Resilience Fund. 

Nine churches across Scotland have already secured funding, such as Danestone Congregational Church and Darnley United Free Church of Scotland

The second round of grant money will be tightly focused on charities working with people in need which would be at risk of collapse during the next 12 weeks. 

Gorebridge Parish Church in Midlothian received a £8,000 grant through the first phase of funding.

Minister, Rev Mark Nicholas, said: "We are seeing a drop off in income at the moment because of the lack of open plate and the loss of hall lets and so needed grant money to support our necessary costs.

"The process was very easy and the grant funding was given very quickly."

East and Old Parish Church in Forfar, Angus has secured a £10,000 grant.

Their minister, Rev Barbara Ann Sweetin, said: "We are delighted to have received the money and very, very grateful.

"We run a charity shop and still paying rent but there is no income coming in because it is closed."

Applicants must confirm that their charity work was going on before Covid-19 started and are primarily serving Scottish communities.