Argyll and Bute Council is delivering a programme of investment across 18 large-scale projects worth £35 million to the area.

The council is committing over £5m and working with partner organisations and external funders to lead on a range of projects to deliver community benefits and help attract further investment.

Projects include:

• £10m Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes and Townscape Heritage Initiative across Helensburgh, Dunoon, Lochgilphead and Rothesay.
• Tarbert/Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund (£3 million). Works completed include new shore side facilities and road improvements at Tarbert and Lochgilphead Front Green. Work to improve Ardrishaig village is currently underway.
• Hermitage Park – Parks for People (£3.75 million). The funding has delivered a new volunteer bothy, landscaping and planting with ongoing works to develop a programme of activities.
• £10m Regeneration Capital Grant Funding (RCGF). Supporting 15 projects including Tiree Community Business Hub, Kerrera Old School Community Hub and Ulva Ferry Shore Facilities Building.
• Scottish Government Place Based Investment (£821,000). Projects include a regional shopfront improvement scheme, public realm improvement works at Oban and Bowmore, priority-building repairs in Rothesay and Dunoon and pier resurfacing works in Helensburgh.
• Scottish Government Islands Programme (£740,000). Investment for ten projects on Jura, Gigha, Tiree, Kerrera, Mull, Iona, Islay, Colonsay and Rothesay. They include a new campsite, renewable heating and pier restoration works.
• Scotland Loves Local (£46,000). To help ongoing economic recovery and encourage shopping locally.

More details about the large-scale projects can be found on the council website.

Councillor Robin Currie, policy lead for the economy and rural growth, said: “Ongoing investment is critical for the future economic success of Argyll and Bute. We are committed to delivering regeneration to help the economic recovery of the area, help our small businesses and make Argyll and Bute more investor ready. Improving our towns and villages as places to live, work and visit will make a lasting difference to the area.

“There are lots of exciting projects happening and I’m incredibly proud of all the hard work to make this happen.”

Funders for the projects include the Scottish Government, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, LEADER, Sustrans, Scotland Town’s Partnership and grant/in-kind funding.