A CASH injection has been announced for the Ayshire Rape Crisis service.

The local centre, which offers free and confidential emotional and practical support, information and advocacy to those who have experienced sexual violence, will get a funding allocation of £15,000.

Confirming the allocations to 14 centres across the country - totalling £1.5m - Minister for Older People and Equalities Christina McKelvie said:“We are committed to preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls.

“And a huge part of delivering on that commitment is ensuring that victims of rape or sexual assault are able to come forward and access the right support when they need it.

“The work that rape crisis centres do is invaluable and that is why I am delighted to confirm the distribution to 14 centres – from Shetland to the Scottish Borders - of £1.5 million over the next three years.

“That funding will bolster the resource available to each centre to ensure that more people can receive support, more quickly, as well as helping these services plan for the future.”