A council has been asked to help a community group in their efforts to purchase the Castle Toward Estate in Argyll.

The South Cowal Community Development Company (SCCDC) wish to purchase the estate and Communities Secretary Alex Neil has now asked Argyll and Bute Council to assist with the buyout.

The group aims to acquire the estate using right-to-buy legislation, but a deadline to agree to a buyout is due to expire this weekend. The local authority has now been asked to reduce the asking price and extend the deadline. The SCCDC plan to develop the site and create jobs.

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Writing to Dick Walsh, Argyll and Bute's Council Leader, Mr Neil said: "We want communities to shape the decisions that affect their lives and, where appropriate, own and run community assets.

"South Cowal Community Development Company's (SCCDC) attempts to buy the Castle Toward Estate through community right to buy could support much needed regeneration, create new jobs and make a real difference to the local community."

He continued: "I have seen evidence from the SCCDC that the Castle Toward Estate is now valued at £850,000, rather than the previous figure of £1.7 million.

"In light of this I have today asked Argyll and Bute Council to consider its assessment of best consideration, and the offer on the table from SCCDC for the Castle Toward Estate.

"That offer is backed by the Scottish Land Fund and by investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise once this asset is in community ownership."

(JP/CD)