Argyll and Bute Economic Strategy refresh 2024-2034
The success of the Argyll and Bute economy is fundamental to our future quality of life. The pace of change has been accelerating globally and nationally which has required Argyll and Bute Council to refresh its economic strategy.
This refreshed Argyll and Bute Economic Strategy (2024-2034) is ambitious and aims to unlock new opportunities for growth, sustainability, and prosperity while addressing local challenges. The Argyll and Bute Economic Strategy is designed to drive long-term, sustainable economic growth in the region. Its primary goal is to focus on four pillars of the economy, People, Place, Planet and Prosperityby creating new opportunities, developing skills opportunities, diversifying sectors, and supporting businesses. This includes improving connectivity, promoting innovation, and enhancing the region’s appeal as a destination for investment.
Our ambitious economic strategy for Argyll and Bute (2024 – 2034) unites purpose, with a focus on partnership and collaboration as the cornerstones of delivery.
Informed through consultation and by available economic and population data, the drivers of economic growth will be across four strategic key pillars: People, Place, Planet and Prosperity.
PEOPLE
Addressing the continuing decline in our economically active population, improving workforce skills and attracting key workers, promoting equal access to education opportunities, and supporting job opportunities in emerging and new industries.
PLACE
Investing in our towns, rural and remote rural communities, including our islands and peninsulas, to attract new people and businesses, pursuing external funding opportunities, investing in critical economic infrastructure such as housing, land for business development, reuse of land and buildings for community benefit, digital connectivity and transport (principally roads, ports and ferries).
PLANET
Delivering net zero and improving our biodiversity by supporting the sustainable growth of clean energy production (i.e. hydro, solar, wind and biomass), woodland, peat and marine habitat restoration, encouraging green industries to develop in our area, nature-based solutions and community ownership.
PROSPERITY
Creating higher wage opportunities, seizing opportunities in the net-zero economy, improving productivity and innovation through increasing business efficiency including the use of digital technology, empowering communities through ownership and wealth creation, sustaining public services, promoting the blue and green economies, enabling the sustainable growth of key sectors such as food and drink together with revitalising the tourism and hospitality sectors and supporting the growth of the creative industries .
At its core, the strategy and its associated Action Plan (updated September 2025) emphasise collaboration among agencies, businesses, and communities to ensure a shared vision for the future.
A key aspect of the strategy is ensuring that growth is inclusive and benefits everyone, particularly in our more rural and remote areas.
In order to comply with subsidy control legislation and to aid in the effective delivery of investment which advances the aims of the Economic Strategy, Argyll and Bute Council registered the Argyll and Bute Council Economic Development Subsidy Scheme with the Competition and Markets Authority in September 2025.
Further information is available in the:
