Argyll and Bute Council is progressing a programme of regeneration projects to help communities and businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic.
Ongoing place based investment and regeneration is helping with the economic recovery with signs that employment levels are improving across the area.
The regeneration and investment initiatives include:
- Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes (CARS) across the area, in Dunoon, Rothesay, Lochgilphead and Helensburgh.
- £90 million in UK and Scottish Government Covid grants, administered by the council to help businesses to continue to trade
- External funding of £1.7 million for regeneration projects in Kilmory, Port Ellen and Colonsay.
- Town Centre recovery plans including the Shop Local campaign and Shop Local Card to keep spending local to Argyll and Bute
Good progress continues on other areas within the council’s Economic Recovery Plan, with a number of projects actioned alongside local partner organisations. They include working with Fair Start Scotland to offer employment support for people who have lost their jobs or are facing redundancy, and supporting the Kickstart Scheme that promotes opportunities and careers to young people who have left full-time education.
Councillor Robin Currie, Policy Lead for Economy and Rural Growth:
“There has been a huge amount of delivery by the council and our partners including a range of community initiatives that are helping to transform Argyll and Bute and create new employment opportunities.
It has been an incredibly hard time for residents and businesses dealing with the impact of the pandemic and now with the cost of living crisis. We are encouraged by positive signs of growth with new businesses emerging and an increase in employment levels across the area. Working in partnership to deliver investment is critical to the long-term economic success of Argyll and Bute.”