Two town centres in Argyll and Bute are in line for a makeover, thanks to the council's success in a government funding scheme

Argyll and Bute Council has secured £600,000 of government money towards its plans to revitalise Dunoon and Bowmore on Islay.

The funding – which will be shared equally between the two towns - was announced by the Scottish government as part of the second tranche of its £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Fund (TCRF).

Council Leader Dick Walsh said: "This money will significantly progress our ambitious plans for economic development and regeneration across the area.

"Our town centres are a key element of the economic and social fabric of Argyll and Bute, and we obviously want to see them reach their full potential.

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"This announcement will help support Argyll and Bute in its bid to remain at the forefront of boosting economic development during these challenging financial times, delivering the government’s economic recovery plan and thereby creating employment and income for the area."

Councillor Walsh stressed that the funds will go towards major improvements to both town centres, making them more attractive places in which to live, work and visit.

"I congratulate everyone who worked so hard on the bids, and very much look forward to seeing the work start and the town centres of Bowmore and Dunoon become the vibrant, attractive and welcoming places they promise to be," he added.

"The TCRF project in Dunoon will complement the Dunoon Waterfront plans, part of the council’s CHORD programme."

Work will now begin to tailor the projects in both towns to suit the funds available.

The funds announced mean that Argyll and Bute has now received a collective TCRF package of over £1.5million. In the first round of bids, announced in August, Tarbert was awarded £984,500.

(GK/KMcA)