THREE Argyll and Bute community projects are among just sixteen which could benefit from £15 million of funding from Creative Scotland’s Capital Programme.

Campbeltown’s unique Picture House and the innovative Cove Park art centre have been awarded investment for stage 1 development of each project. Approval at this stage means that funds have been identified for award and will enable the project to proceed to stage 2 of the application process.

Dunoon Burgh Hall Trust will also receive funding up to £100,000 towards development of the town’s historic Burgh Hall – with the potential to apply to the capital programme at stage 1 level next year.

Creative Scotland received 37 applications seeking funding of over £34 million. Sixteen projects were approved, with a total investment of £15 million available.

Commenting on the news, Argyll and Bute Council’s lead councillor for community and culture Louise Glen-Lee said: “I am delighted that these three projects have made successful applications to this year’s Creative Scotland Capital Programme.

“Campbeltown’s Picture House is a charming and iconic facility, while Cove Park  has brought artists from all over the world to the Rosneath peninsula. The Dunoon Burgh Hall Trust has worked incredibly hard to bring a hall at the heart of the community back into life.

“All three projects bring real vibrancy and life to their communities and this funding boost from Creative Scotland will ultimately have real benefit to the people of Argyll and Bute.”