Argyll and Bute Council has welcomed the news that it is to receive more than £1.6m in funding for arts and culture organisations in the area.

Last week, Creative Scotland revealed it had set aside £1,601,663 for projects in Argyll in Bute.

The projects to benefit from the funds include the Artist Centre redevelopment project at Cove Park. It has been awarded £621,663 to replace the current building and studios. It will provide dedicated meeting spaces for artists and general public, a public performance and exhibition space, studio space, office and accommodation facilities as well as a library and IT suite.

Elsewhere, Dunoon Burgh Hall has received a development award of £15,000 plus provisional Stage 2 funding of £465,000 towards the refurbishment of this historic building. It will provide a high quality venue for performing arts, an exhibition space for local and touring exhibitions and gallery workshop space for residencies, learning and community activity.

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While, Scottish arts charity NVA received a development award of £100,000 and provisional Stage 2 funding of £400,000 to further develop plans to create a new cultural resource at St Peter's Seminary at Cardross. The project will create exhibition, performance and workshop space.

Commenting on the funding, Councillor Currie said: "These awards reflect the huge diversity of arts and cultural activity in Argyll and Bute and I am pleased to say the council provided endorsement which helped in their success.

"This major capital investment is in line with our economic development action plan and the development of our cultural strategy.

"In terms of our residents and visitors the development of these projects will provide high quality cultural activity based in our communities, but with a wider appeal."

The aim of Creative Scotland's capital awards are designed to help organisations to carry out major infrastructure improvements or refurbishments, or to develop new cultural facilities that improve the access, presentation and enjoyment of arts and culture in Scotland.

(JP/CD)