The Inveraray CARS project is to benefit from £350,000 from Argyll and Bute Council as agreed at the budget meeting in February 2013 and confirmed at Thursday’s ( 27 JUNE) council meeting. This comes after the project secured £970,000 from Historic Scotland.

The main objective of the £2 million Inveraray CARS project is to secure much needed investment in the built heritage fabric of the town and the environment making it a better place to live, work and visit. The project has been looked at again in terms of where resources will be concentrated after being unsuccessful in getting Heritage Lottery Funding which makes the money already secured even more critical. The project team is also looking at ways of making savings on overheads and running costs so as much resource will go into the buildings as possible.

Another £19,000 also agreed at the budget meeting in February is to be given to Kilmartin House Museum to help with the development and prepare a case for more Heritage Lottery Funding.

Lead Councillor for Environment, Development and Infrastructure, John Semple said “This investment from the council is very welcome as there is no doubt as to the importance of these two projects. Inveraray is a first class tourist destination and an important gateway into Argyll. Its premier conservation area is an important asset and there is strong community support for the project. This is a great opportunity to make a difference and build on the success of the Campbeltown CARS project.

“Kilmartin House Museum has ambitions to grow into a major tourist attraction in Argyll and Bute and the trust has a clear plan in place for this which can only progress with this cash injection.”