The funding aims to unite communities across Scotland

The Race Equality, Integration and Community Support Fund will be allocated between 36 projects across Scotland over the next two years.

The fund is targeted at local projects which aim to bring people together, tackle racism and promote equality.

Scotland-wide projects will be funded alongside local projects from Dumfries to the Highlands, Glasgow to Edinburgh.

Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm announced the funding at a football fitness and training programme project in Glasgow.

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The scheme at Hampden Park is run by Glasgow Ansar, Glasgow Maccabi and Belshill Athletic FC.

It aims to bring together young people to combat racism, foster integration, build friendships and promote diversity.

Mr Chisholm said: "Scotland is stronger for its rich diverse communities which embrace different cultures, religions and backgrounds.

"But we also know that equality for all has yet to be achieved fully and racism and discrimination still occur, often through a lack of understanding or through ignorance.

"Through the funding we hope to strengthen our society as one which fosters integration but respects diversity."

Projects to benefit include:

• LINKnet Mentoring Limited - for its work in Edinburgh to provide mentoring to minority ethnic students

• The Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations - to establish a national Ethnic Minority Civic Parliament

• Planning Aid for Scotland - to empower ethnic minority communities to participate in the planning process

• YWCA Roundabout Centre - for young women to develop an anti-racist peer education programme

• Grampian Race Equality Council - to develop Scotland's first project working with children and their families to address racial abuse and harassment.

A further �600,000 will be provided through the Scottish Refugee Integration Fund over the next year to strengthen support for refugees and asylum seekers.