(1)The Scottish Ministers may make such payments as they think fit to—
(a)any benevolent body, in connection with its activities,
(b)any person, in connection with anything done by that person with a view to enabling one or more benevolent bodies, benevolent bodies of a particular type or benevolent bodies generally to implement their purposes to better effect.
(2)Such payments may include payments in relation to the costs of establishing, dissolving or winding up a benevolent body.
(3)A payment under subsection (1) may be made by way of grant, loan or otherwise.
(4)A payment under subsection (1) may be made subject to conditions, including conditions requiring repayment in specified circumstances.
(5)No payment may be made under subsection (1) to a local authority or any other public body or office-holder.
(6)The power to make a payment under subsection (1) may be exercised whether or not there is power to make the payment under any other enactment.