Argyll and Bute Council has secured a major boost for the local economy that will help support regeneration and employment projects. The money from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) will help deliver three key initiatives:
- A new Port Ellen Community hub on Islay (£746,223)
- Scalasaig housing and business units on Colonsay (£335,000)
- Kilmory Business Park in Lochgilphead (£650,000)
The council has worked with South Islay Development (SID) and Colonsay Community Development Company (CCDC) on plans for each of the community projects and applied for funding on their behalf.
The Council led project at Kilmory, Lochgilphead, aims to develop land in conjunction with other partners unlocking 5.9hectares to build a new business hub. The investment includes strategic infrastructure and business premises for up to 10 new and expanding small and medium sized enterprises. The project aims to create up to 30 jobs in the local community, including for school leavers.
The Colonsay Community Development Company project will provide business space and tackle the long-standing demand for business opportunities in Scalasaig, the main settlement on the Isle of Colonsay. This project is running in tandem with an affordable housing scheme near to Scalasaig.
A new community hub at Port Ellen on Islay will include a social enterprise café with bakery facilities, community/function space, office rental space, storage rental space as well as an office for the South Islay Development Trust. The new Hub will encourage greater community engagement and collaboration whilst supporting future community regeneration across the whole island.
Councillor Robin Currie, Leader, Argyll and Bute Council:
“We are delighted to receive this vital funding which will deliver long-term benefit for our communities and businesses. Argyll and Bute brings together much of what is best about Scotland – natural resources that drive national and international business markets, expertise that inspires innovation, and people committed to achieving the prosperous future the area needs and deserves.
Each of the funded projects are critical to our future growth and to the needs of our communities. In a year where we have seen a huge impact on our local communities and businesses, investment is vital to help recover the local economy and unlock Argyll and Bute’s potential.”
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell:
“This year more than ever, our investment into building and maintaining resilient communities is especially important. I’m pleased we are able to partner with COSLA to deliver a further £25 million of investment this year which will improve lives and bring about a strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Each of these three projects in Argyll and Bute will help respond to a range of locally identified issues and priorities, including more employment opportunities, bringing people together, and boosting the economy by attracting tourism and other types of business to the area.”