Almost £2m of Scottish Crown Estate funds and the Scottish Government’s Islands Infrastructure Fund has been allocated to support a variety of community-based initiatives. 

Scottish Crown Estate funding is designed to deliver benefits for coastal communities with a focus on four key priorities: the environment, community, climate change and economic development.

Key investments from Crown Estate funding include £690,000+ to address the impact on these projects of construction costs increasing because of a variety of issues including supply chain and labour issues:

• Rothesay Pontoons
• Ardrishaig North Public Realm
• Helensburgh Masonry Pier
• Castle House Gate Lodge
• Dunoon STEM Hub

In addition, a new project from Islay Development Initiative to support upgrading of the island’s Bowmore Hall, including use of renewable energy, will receive funding support of £200k.

Various initiatives across Argyll and Bute’s island communities will receive investment totalling £740k from the Scottish Government’s Islands Infrastructure Fund:

• Jura Community Business - Upgrade for a community-owned fuel station
• Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust - Improvements to Achamore gardens allowing new areas to be re-opened to visitors and residents
• Tiree Community Development Company – Installation of renewable heating for business units
• Isle of Kerrera Development Trust - Redevelopment of old schoolhouse to provide community space and public toilets
• Tobermory Harbour Association - Redevelopment of Aros Park building to increase business and tourism opportunities
• SWMID - Seaweed treatment infrastructure on Mull
• South Islay Development – Redevelopment of Port Ellen playing fields
• Colonsay Development Trust – Creation of new campsite
• Jura Community Business - Mooring repair and upgrades to local visitor facility
• Colonsay Roads – Upgrading of Colonsay’s road network to support the island’s new affordable housing development and business units funded separately

Policy lead for economic growth, Councillor Robin Currie, said: “This funding will help deliver key council regeneration initiatives and excellent projects brought forward by local communities. Together they will deliver wide ranging benefits, and play an important part in boosting the recovery and growth of Argyll and Bute’s local economy.”