The Scottish Government is set to allocate £400,000 to the Knockhill race circuit following the announcement of a £55 Million emergency funding package for spectator sports across Scotland.

The emergency funding package will help tackle the financial challenges caused by lost ticket revenue until spectators are able to safely return to events in large numbers. This news follows the announcement of the £6 Million loan fund allocation for principal circuit venue operators in England last month.

The UK governing body for motorsport continues to work closely with all devolved territories to focus on the resumption of motorsport in all nations and the return of spectators to the sport when it is safe to do so.

Hugh Chambers, CEO Motorsport UK, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Scottish Government to both motorsport and Knockhill.  After collaborating with sportscotland throughout 2020 on the continual unlocking of the sport, we are collectively working towards the return of all disciplines across the country.

“Knockhill is a key venue for Scottish motorsport and provides a focal point for many of our disciplines, events, competitors and fans alike, as well as the entire support industry that hinges on a successful, fully operational venue. Motorsport UK continues to focus on supporting our community and this is the latest in a line of proactive measures that Motorsport UK has taken to provide support to our industry, including a £1 Million fund for our member clubs and over 100,000 items of PPE for our volunteers and events. We will continue to do whatever possible for the sport so we collectively build back better from the pandemic.”

Stewart Harris, sportscotland Chief Executive, said: “This announcement is very welcome as the funding will help protect the immediate future of many sports over the coming months.

“We will continue to work with a range of Governing Bodies of Sport, including those involved in motorsport, and the Scottish Government to prioritise this funding to ensure the survival of the sports at the heart of our communities.

“With the roll out of the vaccine, there is real hope that we are beginning to see our way out of this pandemic, and we need to make certain that sport is in a good place and is a prominent part of the overall recovery plan.”