HIV charity saved after government funds U-turn

An HIV charity has been saved from closure following a Scottish Government funding U-turn.

HIV Scotland feared it would have to shut after losing out on Scottish Government cash earlier in the year, forcing staff lay offs.

Now, Public Health Minister Joe Fitzpatrick has confirmed the Scottish Government has offered the charity £231,000 over three years.

The grant, covering core costs, will enable them to seek extra funding to secure a sustainable future, the charity said.

It had previously received around £270,000 a year from the Scottish Government before losing out in its bid in the latest funding round.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “This funding will support the organisation to move to a sustainable financial position.”