As part of the programme, Argyll and Bute Council has completed a £10m heritage-led programme of works.

Regeneration projects include:

• £60,000 of shopfront improvement grants awarded to 42 businesses
• 60 local contractors employed, 10 new businesses opened and 51 new jobs created
• £3.2m building repair grants awarded to 182 individuals
• £2m repair and conservation of Campbeltown’s Town Hall to bring it back under community ownership
• £3m restoration of the Campbeltown Picture House
• 40 training courses and community events delivered and attended by over 2,000 people
• A new Discover Campbeltown app

An evaluation report commissioned to look at the impact and benefits to the town following completion of projects found that 83% of respondents said that several or most of the places they visit in the town are noticeably improved, while 98% said they would recommend local businesses to family, friends and visitors.

More than 90% said regeneration projects have improved Campbeltown, while 90% of businesses noted that CARS and Shopfront investment have transformed their business and 70% of businesses said they would not have been able to complete projects without funding.

Fourteen of the 16 building contractors who responded felt regeneration works has led to follow-on work.

Councillor Alastair Redman, policy lead, business, regeneration and commercial development, said: “By improving the infrastructure and fabric of the town centre, Campbeltown has totally transformed. We are already seeing the benefits to the local economy including more job opportunities and new businesses opening.

“This has been a collaborative approach, working with partners, residents and businesses throughout the project. The success of Campbeltown, now provides a working model for our other towns as we continue to invest in Argyll and Bute’s future.”

Following extensive investment, Campbeltown won Scotland’s most improved place at the 2021 SURF awards.

Funding of regeneration projects was provided by Argyll and Bute Council, Historic Environment Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund and Argyll and the Islands LEADER, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).