Glasgow has been given �40m

The projects include waterfront developments in Glasgow and Dundee, improvements in the castle areas of Inverness and Stirling and refurbishment work in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Earlier in the year, First Minister Jack McConnell announced the allocation of �90m from the city growth fund for Scotland's cities, following a major cities review.

In addition, �20m was pledged to bring derelict land back into use.

Finance Minister Andy Kerr, on a visit to the waterfront in Dundee on Thursday, announced final approval for the individual projects suggested by the city councils.

Redevelopment plans

• Dundee will spend most of its �9.3m on its waterfront

• Glasgow will spend �40m on vocational training and the Clyde Gateway industrial development

• Aberdeen will use some of its �11.5m to refurbish its Citadel Arts Centre

• Much of Edinburgh's �24.2m will be spent on improving bus services and the Usher Hall venue

• Inverness is to get �3.1m, of which �500,000 is earmarked for upgrading the public area

• Out of the �1.9m allocated to Stirling, the city will invest �900,000 in recycling projects.

Announcing the investment, Mr Kerr said: "Our six cities have distinctive strengths and distinctive challenges.

"They do, however, share the aim of being six of the best in Europe.

"This �90m of executive funding will allow our cities to start work on turning that shared vision into reality."

Pat Watters, president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla), welcomed the announcement.

He said: "It is good to see the executive listening to Cosla and the committee, and acting in a positive manner."