The Scottish and UK governments have signed a £70m growth deal for Argyll and Bute, a ten-year rural plan that was put on hold last year.
However each government has now committed £25m, with the local council and others contributing a further £20m. Ministers say the funding package will help boost tourism, support jobs and secure the area’s economic future.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes took part in a signing ceremony in Rothesay, on the Isle of Bute, along with council leader Jim Lynch.
The deal will invest up to £3 million, with £1.5 million from both the Scottish Government and UK Government, to fund the delivery of low carbon infrastructure to support Islay’s pathway to net zero. The Rural Growth Deal presents an opportunity for public sector investment that will create an impactful change for the community.
Housing developments on the Islands of Mull and Islay will also receive funding.
Ms. Forbes said, “We are providing £25m through this deal to create jobs, attract investment and secure the region’s economic future.
“The deal will support projects to drive innovation in marine science, support training that enables local people to access jobs and boost tourism to deliver sustainable economic growth.”
Mr. Murray said the growth deal, the last of twelve to be confirmed in Scotland, would be “transformational”.
He added, “This means a package of more than £3bn UK Government and partner investment is driving local growth and improving living standards for communities the length and breadth of Scotland.
Kintyre and the Islands Councillor, Dougie McFadzean told the Ileach, “I was delighted to see the Rural Growth Deal finally being agreed for Argyll and Bute. This has been a long time coming, with the late Councillor Robin Currie advocating for the additional investment for a very long time before his untimely passing.
“It was great to see both UK and Scottish Governments getting behind Argyll and Bute, recognising the amazing potential our area has. The planned investments are wide and varied, but importantly include money for additional housing for Islay, some of which will be targeted to provide key worker accommodation. The lack of this type of housing has severely impacted on the ability to recruit staff for our care home, schools, hospital and care at home provision.
“It is also great to see that greenhouse gas reduction and capture projects will also be supported here on Islay, so that we are doing our bit to make our planet a safer and healthier place. Since my election in 2022 I have been very strongly supporting both of these areas and it’s great to see we have been listened to.”
