Communities across Argyll & Bute and the Western Isles will see a boost to housebuilding, businesses and other local priorities as ministers today confirmed how a multi-million-pound funding package will be spent.
The £40 million Community Regeneration Partnership – split equally between both areas – will go straight to priority projects set by residents of both places, following more than 100 hours of community engagement.
In Argyll & Bute, money will go towards increasing housebuilding to tackle the housing emergency locking families out of home ownership.
In a boost for businesses, it will also fund construction of two buildings at Oban Airport Business Park and support the transformation of the derelict former Royal Hotel Rothesay in Bute.
As a key issue championed by local residents, restoring this landmark building to its former glory will help provide accessible homes and key worker accommodation as well as commercial space in the heart of the town.
And in the Western Isles, almost a third of the area’s funding will go to improving local roads in Uist and Barra – as a lack of road connections is causing problems for residents and businesses.
More than £5 million will also go to the Western Isles economy, meaning more affordable homes for local families, better facilities for fishing and marine industries, and investment in businesses that create local jobs.
Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “This funding has real power to revitalise rural areas that have been left behind for too long.
“There is incredible, untapped potential across Argyll and Bute and the Western Isles, and the projects we’re announcing today will lead the way in transforming the region and marking a new chapter full of opportunity for local people.”
UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “The UK Government is investing £40 million in Argyll & Bute and the Western Isles to revitalise communities as part of a £2 billion package.
“From roadbuilding to tackling the local housing emergency to restoring a local landmark back to its former glory, the UK Government is championing the priorities of local residents.
“By building more houses, creating new jobs and improving transport links this money will restore pride in local communities and open doors to new opportunities.”
Other initiatives set to receiving funding include:
- A total of £8.8 million will go to the Uist & Barra Roads and Causeway Resilience Programme. This will upgrade roads, making them safer and protect them from flooding and seeks to dual a 3km stretch of single-track road.
- In Benbecula, the UK government is working with the Ministry of Defence to release land for new businesses and homes, creating jobs and supporting long-term growth. And in Barra, investment in Vatersay and Ardveenish Harbours will secure the future of existing facilities and increase all-weather resilience for the local fishing industry.
- The funding will also protect the Western Isles’ cultural heritage, including a year-round sports facility in Daliburgh and transforming a former school into a community and heritage hub.
Funding has come from the UK Government and is being awarded following close collaboration with the Scottish Government, local councils and communities in Argyll & Bute and the Western Isles.
