Communities, businesses and island residents across Argyll and Bute are set to benefit from almost £1.6 million of investment to support regeneration projects, economic growth, community infrastructure and cost-of-living assistance.
The funding package includes allocations from the Council's Crown Estate Scotland revenue allocation and the Scottish Government's Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund (ICCEF), alongside support for progressing future Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) proposals.
Argyll and Bute Council has received confirmation that it will receive £3.89 million from Crown Estate Scotland revenues in 2026/27, an increase from £2.36 million in the previous year. Following earlier allocations agreed in May, a further £1.42 million has now been allocated to support priority projects across the area.
Projects receiving support include an expansion of business support grants (£300,000), the Kintyre Seasports Rural Growth Deal Project (£300,000), the Tarbert Heritage Scheme (£250,000), a new Marine Tourism Infrastructure Fund (£150,000), and improvements to the Helensburgh Skating Pond (£100,000). Funding has also been allocated for the Tarbert Harbour Community Water Sports and Activity Hub, Bowmore Hall, Jacobs Ladder stabilisation works in Oban, Kilmartin House Museum and heritage regeneration projects.
In addition, £145,000 from the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund will provide practical support to island residents facing ongoing cost-of-living challenges. The package includes £85,000 for ALIenergy's Affordable Warmth Service Energy Support Project, enabling energy vouchers for up to 1,250 island households, and £38,000 for white goods support for eligible low-income households. A further £22,000 will support island foodbanks and community food organisations across Islay, Bute, Tiree, Mull and Iona, Jura and Gigha.
Several projects have also been endorsed to progress to the next stage of potential funding through the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. These include proposals in Oban, Ardrishaig, Rothesay, Ardchattan and Tiree, with combined funding requests of more than £4 million to support community facilities, regeneration and economic development projects.
Councillor Jim Lynch, Policy Lead for Economic Development, Housing, Communities and Islands, said: "This investment represents a significant commitment to communities across Argyll and Bute. It will help support economic growth, improve community facilities, strengthen our coastal and island communities and provide practical assistance to residents who continue to face financial pressures.
"The projects being supported will deliver lasting benefits, helping to attract additional investment, support local businesses and provide communities with the facilities and infrastructure they need to thrive. We look forward to working with our partners to maximise the impact of these funds for local people."
