A BUTE project has been awarded more than £38,000 as part of a £504,000 funding package for community initiatives across Argyll and Bute.
The Bute Outdoor Learning and Wellbeing Partnership, run by Live Argyll Community Learning, will receive £38,050.96 from the Scottish Government’s Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Fund.
It is the only project specifically identified as being based in Cowal or Bute among the 19 successful applications announced in the latest funding round.
The CLLD Fund supports community projects which contribute towards four priorities: eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency and improving public services.
Across Argyll and Bute, £504,000 has been allocated to projects ranging from support for carers and families to marine conservation, community facilities and feasibility work intended to unlock future investment.
Argyll and the Islands Local Action Group oversees delivery of the programme, with Argyll and Bute Council acting as the accountable body responsible for administering the funding.
Council leader Councillor Jim Lynch welcomed the awards.
“It’s great to see nineteen community groups benefit from this year’s Community Led Local Development Fund,” he said.
“By supporting communities to identify and address their own priorities, the fund helps develop skills, unlock new ideas and bring people together.
“These projects will make a real difference locally and contribute to building stronger, more sustainable and resilient communities across Argyll and Bute.”
Alicja Newbrook, chair of Argyll and the Islands Local Action Group, said the funding also recognised the less visible work required to turn community ideas into viable projects.
She said feasibility studies, design work, planning and expert advice could give communities the evidence and momentum needed to attract further investment.
The Local Action Group brings together representatives from public bodies, charities and third sector organisations, as well as people with local knowledge, and has worked for more than 20 years to support economic development across Argyll and Bute.
