The council was notified in November last year that it was one of just four local authorities in Scotland awarded this new fund. At a meeting of the Full Council last week, councillors agreed to put forward the following projects to the UK Government for consideration:

• Helensburgh Colgrain Business Park
• Rothesay Pavilion
• Oban Airport Aviation Business Park
• Dunbeg Corridor
• Marine Training School and Seaweed Academy (Dunbeg)
• Dunoon Regeneration
• Affordable Housing For Key Workers
• Campbeltown Pier Extension
• Jura/Islay Ferry
• Islay Roads Scheme
• Former Royal Hotel Rothesay (Bute)

The UK Government will shortlist the projects by 15 July before undertaking a business case on each of the shortlisted projects. The successful project(s) will then be announced in September 2024. It is thought there will be a degree of public consultation, although the details of this process have still to be confirmed.

Council leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “We are committed to making Argyll and Bute a great place to live, work, visit and invest, and we are committed to ensuring ongoing economic success for our communities.

“The Levelling Up Partnership Funding marks a significant investment and will enable us to deliver outcomes that will leave a lasting legacy and contribute to the area’s long-term economic growth.”

Levelling up investment is available to deliver capital projects, not to fund day-to-day council services, and must be spent by 2025/26.