The Inveraray CARS project is set to benefit from a grant of £350,000 from Argyll and Bute Council.

The fund was originally agreed at a budget meeting in February, and confirmed at a council meeting last week. The news also follows the announcement that the project has secured £970,000 from Historic Scotland.

The main objective of the £2m Inveraray CARS project is to secure much needed investment in the built heritage fabric of the town and the environment making it a better place to live, work and visit. The project has been looked at again in terms of where resources will be concentrated, after it was unsuccessful in securing Heritage Lottery Funding, while the project team is also looking at ways of making savings on overheads and running costs so as much resource as possible will go into the buildings.


A further £19,000 has also been agreed at the budget meeting in February for Kilmartin House Museum to help with the development and prepare a case for more Heritage Lottery Funding.

Lead Councillor for Environment, Development and Infrastructure, John Semple, said: "This investment from the council is very welcome as there is no doubt as to the importance of these two projects. Inveraray is a first class tourist destination and an important gateway into Argyll. Its premier conservation area is an important asset and there is strong community support for the project. This is a great opportunity to make a difference and build on the success of the Campbletown CARS project.

"Kilmartin House Museum has ambitions to grow into a major tourist attraction in Argyll and Bute and the trust has a clear plan in place for this which can only progress with this cash injection."

(JP/CD)