£1.2 million plans to regenerate the historic centres of two Argyll and Bute towns have taken another step forward.

The Argyll and Bute Council has now secured the services of an external project manager, who will oversee the next phases of the proposals for Dunoon and Bowmore.

Scott Wilson Ltd will now progress the Town Centre Regeneration Fund (TCRF) projects in each town through the detailed design and procurement phases.

In Dunoon, the project's main objectives – which have been has been developed by Forward Dunoon & Cowal Sub Group in conjunction with Dunoon & Cowal Business Association are to:

• Improve footway crossing points
• Improve pedestrian handrails
• New street lighting and signposts
• Improve footpaths
• Improve Queens Hall exterior
• Improvements to Castle Hill Garden
• New public information boards and TV panels
• New seating area, Argyll St
• Provide new decorative lights
• Improve Argyll St crossings
• Castle Gardens, improve internal footpaths

The total cost of the above work is just over £575,000. This consists of £300,000 from the Scottish Government’s TCRF fund, just over £245,000 from LEADER (the rural development initiative being delivered under the Scotland Rural Development programme) and £30,000 from Argyll and Bute Council.


Councillor Bruce Marshall, Chair of the Dunoon CHORD Project Board, said it was a very exciting time for the town.

"I am delighted that Scott Wilson has been appointed to manage this scheme, as we are having to move fast to ensure that we achieve the maximum possible benefit," he added.

"Contracts for the work must be awarded by March 31 2010, so there is no time to lose. The tendering process will of course be open, and local contracting firms will be able to bid for the work."

It is anticipated that works will begin on site in late March or early April.

In Bowmore, the project’s main objectives include improvements to the public conveniences adjacent to Morrison Square and Town Hall improvements.

The total cost of the above work is just under £620,000. This consists of £300,000 from the Scottish Government’s TCRF fund, just under £262,000 from LEADER and the remainder from Argyll and Bute Council and local community groups.

Again, contracts must be awarded by March 31 2010.

Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for the Islands and European Affairs, Councillor Len Scoullar, said the project would make real and lasting improvements to Bowmore town centre.

(GK/BMcC)