Argyll and Bute Council has secured an investment of £36 million, which will be used to improve community facilities, attractive town centres and increased housing and job opportunities.

The council is delivering a range of initiatives, as well as supporting communities across the area to deliver initiatives that are bringing significant economic benefits to the area.

They include:

• Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes (£10 million)

There are currently four schemes in Dunoon, Helensburgh, Lochgilphead and Rothesay Historic. The scheme is helping to transform and safeguard historic buildings, supporting businesses with shopfront repair grants and delivering traditional skills training.

• Tarbert, Lochgilphead and Ardrishaig Regeneration Fund (£3 million)


Completed projects include improvements to the shoreside car park and facilities and the regeneration of Lochgilphead's Front Green.

• Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (£10 million)

Supporting 15 community projects across Argyll and Bute including Tiree and Kerrera's Community Hubs and the Aros Waterfront Development on Mull.

• Scottish Government Place Based Investment Fund (£1.5 million)

Investment to support living well, locally initiatives. They include re-surfacing of Helensbugh's masonry pier, enhancements to Bowmore Town Centre on Islay and funding to the Dunoon Burgh Hall Trust.

Scottish Government Islands Programme (£1.09 million)

The fund supports community projects for island communities. In total thirteen projects are currently funded. They include a petrol station upgrade on Jura and renewable heating solutions on Tiree.

The council's Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee considered the progress made in delivering these projects.

Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council: "We are dedicated to growing Argyll and Bute's economic potential in order to achieve ongoing success for our communities. Across Argyll and Bute, investment is providing a much-needed economic boost for residents and visitors.

"We are already seeing the benefits from investment including improved community facilities, housing and employment opportunities, and climate friendly initiatives. Working together, we are making Argyll and Bute, a great place to work, live and visit."