A new organisation called ‘Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust’ (AICCT) is being set up after agreement at a council meeting. (Thu 20 December 2012)

It will act as an independent body with charitable status working to help deliver projects which will benefit local communities in Argyll and the Isles. The Trust will develop and promote outdoor access physical works, tackle invasive species, and look after small scale environmental improvements and biodiversity projects at a time when budgets are falling.

Council Leader Roddy McCuish said, “This is very good news, particularly as the AICCT will primarily carry out works on the ground which will provide local employment opportunities. It will also help develop further economic activity through the private sector and the improvement of the environment will mean much benefit to our communities.

“The trust will also help co-ordinate and help with the activities of existing community groups. In the long term the AICCT could also have the potential to address cost pressures faced by the council as there are many funding opportunities only available to bodies like the trust.”

The work of the AICCT will cover the full geographic area of Argyll and Bute including the area covered by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Argyll and Bute Council will fund the trust with £42,000 over the next three years (£14K a year), subject to meeting performance targets, to match key partner contributions that will enable the appointment of an Executive Officer for up to a three year period.