Ministers sign £70m Argyll and Bute growth deal

The Scottish and UK governments have signed a £70m growth deal for Argyll and Bute.

The 10-year rural plan was put on hold last year but each government has now committed £25m, with the local council and others contributing a further £20m.

Ministers say the funding package will help boost tourism, support jobs and secure the area’s economic future.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes took part in a signing ceremony in Rothesay, on the Isle of Bute, along with council leader Jim Lynch.

The deal will provide £9m to finish the refurbishment of the grade A listed Rothesay Pavilion – closed since 2015 – to create an events space, offices and cafe.

It will also include funding for a sea sports training facility in Campbeltown, a rural skills accelerator programme and a Centre for Seaweed and Shellfish Innovation and Development in Argyll.

Housing developments on the Islands of Mull and Islay will also receive funding.

Forbes said: “Argyll and Bute is full of potential with its rich history, spectacular scenery, vibrant communities and abundance of natural resources.

“We are providing £25m through this deal to create jobs, attract investment and secure the region’s economic future.

“The deal will support projects to drive innovation in marine science, support training that enables local people to access jobs and boost tourism to deliver sustainable economic growth.”

Murray said the growth deal, the last of 12 to be confirmed in Scotland, would be “transformational”.

He added: “This means a package of more than £3bn UK government and partner investment is driving local growth and improving living standards for communities the length and breadth of Scotland.”