A massive regeneration project spanning Glasgow and South Lanarkshire has been given a £62m cash injection by the Scottish Government.

Minister for Communities and Sport Stewart Maxwell said the Clyde Gateway project, which will see the transformation of 2,000 acres in the East End of Glasgow and neighbouring parts of South Lanarkshire, would receive the funding over four years as part of the Government's continued commitment to regeneration.

The announcement came on the same day as members of Glasgow City Council approved plans for the establishment of an Urban Regeneration Company (URC) to take the 15 year project forward.

Maxwell, speaking on a visit to Rutherglen to view one of the regeneration sites, said the proposals had the potential to bring about lasting benefits for the area, including new housing and infrastructure, jobs, retail and leisure facilities.

"This money will help the Clyde Gateway URC start to deliver the first phase of its business plan, which should serve as the springboard for the wholescale transformation of the area,” he said.

"Together with our exciting plans for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which will see millions more in government funding invested to create top-class sports facilities and the athletes' village, we can look forward to genuine regeneration in some of Scotland's most disadvantaged communities.”

Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "This initiative is all about people - it's about getting people in this part of the country back into the workforce and enhancing their confidence and ambition.

"Coupled with the work we will be doing to prepare for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, this initiative will have a life-changing impact for the people of the East End of Glasgow, by addressing the issues of poverty, low educational attainment and poor health.