Argyll and Bute Council’s vision for the growth of its waterfront towns is getting a boost today. Rothesay’s appearance is to be improved thanks to a half a million pound grant being made available to the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) by Historic Scotland. It will mean priority buildings in and around Guildford Square can be given a new lease of life.

Depute Provost and Isle of Bute Councillor Len Scoullar said it’s hoped by enhancing the gateway to Bute there’ll be more tourism and economic growth.

He added “Residents in the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme will be able to apply for grants this summer. There’ll be a step by step guide of how to apply on the council website once the council has permission from funders. The money from Historic Scotland will also give residents access to expertise and guidance on the journey to restoring Rothesay to its former glory.”

Argyll and Bute Council has already committed £ 500,000 to the project and also £1.9 million to the restoration and refurbishment of the Rothesay Pavilion. The council’s goal is to invest £30million to assist in the economic regeneration of five of its principal waterfront towns – Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Rothesay and Dunoon.

ends