ROSNEATH’S Princess Louise Hall is expected to return to community use by the end of the year, a councillor has reported.
Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess has said that support has been secured for the facility, which has been closed since 2015, to reopen.
The Princess Louise Hall committee was launched in 2022, when the hall was described as “unusable” due to damage caused by water ingress.
Councillor Campbell-Sturgess’ report also welcomes the news that the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will return to Oban in 2026, having been a host port for the event in 2024.
The document will go before a full meeting of Argyll and Bute Council on Wednesday, September 24.
Councillor Campbell-Sturgess said: “Business Gateway performance remains strong, with satisfaction rates in Argyll and Bute among the highest in Scotland.
“The UK Shared Prosperity Fund transition year budget is now fully committed, with demand far exceeding the funds available. Unless a replacement scheme is launched quickly there will be a funding gap of at least six months.
“Officers, along with COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) and Scottish Local Authorities Economic Development, are pressing the UK and Scottish Governments for clarity.
“Community development has secured support to reopen Princess Louise Hall, which is expected to return to community use by the end of the year.”
Meanwhile, he added: “Oban has been confirmed as a host port for the 2026 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which will provide a welcome boost to the town and wider area.
“Officers are also assisting with planning for the International Winter Swimming Championship due to be held in Oban in December 2025.
“Discussions continue on the seaweed industry, with Argyll and Bute playing a leading role in the newly expanded Scottish Seaweed Industry Association.
“The council’s rural growth deal is backing SAMS (Scottish Association for Marine Science) in the development of the new Centre for Seaweed and Shellfish Innovation and Development at Dunstaffnage.
“Distilleries remain a very important sector for Argyll and Bute. There has been progress with expansion proposals in Campbeltown and a site visit to MACC (Machrihanish Airbase Community Company) is planned to review wider investment opportunities, including possible space industry links.”
