Argyll and Bute has announced a programme of street lights and columns replacement works, as part of an ongoing commitment to reduce carbon emissions, improve efficiency and create a climate friendly region.

Work is underway to upgrade lighting columns and street lights as part of a £740,000 Street Lighting Improvement programme. At the same time, work to replace standard bulbs with low energy LED lights will complete across Oban, Lorn and the Isles, as part of a £3.9 million LED Replacement Luminaires programme.


With over 14,500 street lights to maintain, the council aims to replace ageing lights and columns, some powered from an electrical supply dating from the 1930s. The investment will help reduce power failures and costly repairs.

In 2018, the council installed over 12,580 low energy LED lights across the Helensburgh and Lomond area in 2018. Replacing standard bulbs with low energy alternatives has reduced overall power consumption by 45%.

Councillor Andrew Kain, Policy Lead, Roads and Transport: "All services across the council are committed to reducing carbon emissions as we work towards achieving net zero by 2045. We are already seeing significant energy savings by installing low energy LED lights across the area. Reconstructing lighting columns will further add to this saving and deliver a more cost effective, reliable service."

Work to install LED lights across Oban, Lorn and the Isles will complete in March 2023.