MORE than £80,000 has been awarded to 14 start-up social enterprises in Scotland by development agency Firstport.

The largest single recipient was Edinburgh based Emotion Works which received £20,000. It provides education resources and training to adults who work with and care for children.

Karen McGregor, chief executive of Firstport, said: "Social enterprises play such an important role in supporting Scotland's communities by tackling social, environmental and community issues and creating employment opportunities.

"And we are delighted to give these entrepreneurs the support they need to carry on this work."